Rais explains flip flop over Arthur’s Day flap

By Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 2  - The Information Communication and Culture Minister admitted today that the government had no right to stop people from attending the Arthur’s Day concert featuring US hip-hop band Black Eyed Peas this September 25.

In an about face, the government reversed an earlier decision barring Muslims from attending the concert featuring US hip-hop band Black Eyed Peas.

The hip-hop band is headlining the concert organised by Guinness to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding in Dublin, Ireland.

Datuk Seri Rais Yatim said today the government would leave it to the “better judgment” of Malaysians.

He told reporters that organisers need only get a permit for them to hold such functions under the Police Act.

“It is not right for any authority to bar them from entering the hall or to attend and enjoy the music of the show.

"So long as it is a closed concert and it is pursuant  to the local government prescription as well as those that are being practised under normal circumstances supervised by the authorities under the Police Act,” he explained.

The ban against Muslims came on the heels of a planned PAS protest against the Michael Learns To Rock concert in Genting Highlands in four days’ time and last month’s abortive caning of a Muslim mother of two for drinking beer, raising fears of creeping Islamisation in daily life.

The federal government said the punishment was “too harsh” and threatened Malaysia’s reputation as a moderate nation, adding the caning was being reviewed despite the woman asking for a public whipping.

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