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KUALA LUMPUR – The Bon Odori festival may proceed next month without any unnecessary intervention from the state government, assured Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
In a report by MalaysiaGazette, Amirudin said the matter is now up to the prerogative of the Japanese embassy to host the event that is slated for July 16.
“If they wish to host the event, please go ahead. It is similar to when they host the Thaipusam event every year. We will continue to assist as the cost is also low.
“Local authorities will help to provide (a venue). Can they not have it at all? There is no barrier to the event.
“This time we are only assisting. There is no problem, but if the concerns are valid, then I have to get credible views on the matter.
“Let the Japanese embassy respond on how the event will be carried out this year,” he said.
When asked whether the festival carries any religious element, Amirudin said he will engage the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) for their view on the matter.
“I am not sure whether there is a religious element, but allow us to seek (feedback) from the local authorities and research bodies for information.
“If the information is credible, we will abide by it, but if there is no additional (information), what can we do?
“We have asked Jais to provide the information, as I notice that the current information came from Wikipedia.
“Before this, there was no issue, so we have to wait for the feedback,” he said.
Amirudin also stressed that his administration will not prevent any religion from celebrating their respective festivities.
“Before this, we always gave space to other religions to celebrate their festivities, for example, Thaipusam and Deepavali,” he said.
Amirudin’s comment came after Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Idris Ahmad had advised fellow Muslims to avoid the festival, purportedly because it carries elements of other religions. – The Vibes, June 7, 2022
