Malaysian Religious Authority Advises Muslims Not to Attend Bon Odori
"A study conducted by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) found that the festival does have religious elements, so we advise Muslims not to participate in it," said Datuk Idris Ahmad.
The event is scheduled for July 16 at the Shah Alam Sports Complex.
He told the media after attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the Selangor Islamic Education Foundation’s (Yapis) education complex project, according to the Star.
He said this when asked to comment on the annual Japanese festival, which has also received negative reactions on social media, especially among Muslims in the country.
The event’s promotional poster also depicted an anime of a kimono-clad woman wearing a hijab.
"That’s why we hope such confusion does not arise. Jakim as the coordinating party (of Islam in the country) advises Muslims not to participate in programmes like this or any programme that could affect our religion and beliefs," he said.
The annual Bon Odori festival, organised by the Japanese community in Malaysia, is making a return after a two-year hiatus because of Covid-19. It is celebrated by the Japanese Buddhist community to honour their ancestors.
The Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur, one of the organisers, describes the Bon Odori festival as having started out as “a small affair for Japanese expatriates to immerse their children in Japanese culture in 1977. It has now grown into a much-awaited annual event of about 35,000 participants each year.”
Source: The Star/Free Malaysia Today
