Minister: Jakim's entertainment rules not law, but should be followed

KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 — The controversial entertainment guidelines by Malaysia’s religious authorities should “rightfully” be followed by industry players, a minister said today, although he confirmed again that the rules are not enforceable laws.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of religious affairs Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said that the aim of the guideline is to create a healthy Islam-compliant entertainment culture in line with the maqasid shariah (intentions of shariah), a principle that Putrajaya has adopted in its administration.

“Therefore, all those who are involved in the entertainment industry should rightfully adhere to this guideline, although it is not a law or a rule that can be enforced.

“The Malaysian Islamic Religious Development Department (Jakim) will take necessary steps by advising or extending its views to those who are willing to adopt this guideline,” Jamil Khir said in a written reply yesterday.

He was responding to a question by Marang MP Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang who questioned Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak as to how the Shariah-complaint guidelines would be enforced.

Jakim’s new guidelines were drafted last year but were only approved in the 107^th convention of the National Fatwa Committee on February 10 and 11 this year, and superseded the first version which was published in 2007.

According to the guidelines, entertainers coming to Malaysia would have to adhere to limitations on stage performances, dress and behaviour codes, as well as gender segregation for attendees.

The rules also stipulate that an artist should not have a criminal record, whether in a Shariah or civil court, and should maintain a “noble personality” and “good morals”, even outside the performance.

Performances, songs, events and music videos must also not insult religious sensitivities, the nation and any race, while the use of any symbolism that go against Islamic teachings and faith is also forbidden.

On April 20, Jakim Director-general Datuk Othman Mustapha said the guidelines were in place to educate the entertainment industry and not to restrict.

He added that organisers need only follow the existing laws as the guidelines were not compulsory.