KUALA LUMPUR — Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim yesterday criticised a Malaysian Islamic religious authority’s threat to arrest tudung-clad Malay girls who were hugged and kissed by members of Korean pop band B1A4 at a recent concert, saying they were being unfairly targeted and punished.
Mr Anwar accused the Federal Territories Islamic Department (JAWI) of practising double standards in their investigation against the girls, pointing out that the religious authorities have failed to take action against high-profile figures and local celebrities who have openly displayed disrespectful behaviour.
“I urge that JAWI and other religious authorities not enforce any form of action.
“Do not take action against young people hugging, but not take action against figures and artists who are involved in the same social problem,” Mr Anwar, the opposition Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s (PKR) de facto leader, wrote on his official blog yesterday.
The controversy over the girls’ behaviour at the band’s concert erupted after a three-minute video of its meet-the-fans session in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday was uploaded online, prompting an uproar by some Malays and angry Muslim groups who accused the band of molesting the girls.
The girls have come under scrutiny by JAWI, with the authority saying earlier this week it was investigating them for public indecency and outraging Muslims.
On Wednesday, the Utusan Malaysia newspaper reported JAWI as saying that it would apply for an arrest warrant if the girls refused to turn themselves in for an investigation within a week. But an official with the authority later told Malay Mail Online that they may be spared prosecution and sent for rehabilitation instead if they are underage.
Social media users have also accused the government of double standards after photos emerged online of Prime Minister Najib Razak’s wife Rosmah Mansor air-kissing and displaying affection with Bollywood actor Salman Khan on stage at an event.
In a Twitter posting written in Malay, PKR politician Rafizi Ramli asked: “Following the move by JAWI to haul up girls in K-pop controversy, will Jawi call up Rosmah too?”
Mr Badaruzaman A Bakar using the twitter handle @badar1952 tweeted: “Does Jawi dare to?” while another user, @wktong2012, said: “Maybe @rafiziramli will be hauled up to the police station and jailed”.
The event’s organiser, TGM Events, has also been summoned to meet officials from the Communications and Multimedia Ministry for not adhering to the entertainment guidelines in Islam issued by Malaysia’s foremost Islamic religious body Jakim in 2007.
The Malaysian government yesterday advised the authorities approving entertainment events to adhere to the guidelines. AGENCIES
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