KUCHING, March 28: Sarawak will not adopt overzealous implied concert guidelines set by the federal government, says Deputy Premier of Sarawak Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
“Sarawak has autonomy in relevant aspects, (and it) would fit within rules but not blindly follow without context,” he said in a Facebook post today.
Dr Sim who is Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak (MPHLG), is among the voices saying ‘no’ to the federal government’s stricter rules prohibiting foreign artistes from holding large concerts and live performances on the eve of Islamic public holidays and on the holiday itself.
The prohibition covers the entire month of Ramadan, Awal Muharram, Maulidur Rasul, Israk Mikraj, Nisfu Sya’ban, Nuzul Quran, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Aidiladha.
The new rules also prohibit male foreign artistes from cross-dressing as women, and both male and female foreign acts from removing any clothing during their performance.
On March 22, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah opined that Sarawak will ‘mati’ (die) if it follows federal regulatory orders entirely in relation to foreign acts and concerts.
He insisted that Sarawak remains open and flexible so long as events are properly regulated and does not involve extreme acts, such as naked performers on stage. — DayakDaily
