S’gor PAS has no qualms with sultan following Bon Odori meeting

KUALA LUMPUR – Selangor PAS’ relationship with the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah remains cordial after its commissioner Datuk Ahmad Yunus Hairi was summoned for an audience to discuss issues related to the Japanese Bon Odori festival, yesterday.

Selangor PAS liaison officer Roslan Shahir told the New Straits Times that Yunus was called to Istana Bukit Kayangan in Shah Alam as the state ruler wanted to know the party’s official stance on the festival.

“His Majesty wanted to know our position on the Bon Odori festival.

“His Majesty gave his views and we also conveyed to him that we respected his stance.

“We told Tuanku our position and most importantly, we told him that we are, all the way, supportive of the palace’s role in uniting the rakyat.

“We have no problems with each other,” he was quoted as saying.

Roslan said that the party’s stance is similar to minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Idris Ahmad, who advised fellow Muslims not to attend the festival.

Idris had previously said that the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) had found the festival to bear elements of another religion and could be detrimental to the Muslim faith.

This however drew a sharp rebuke from the Selangor ruler who called upon Idris to attend the festival to “understand the difference between religion and culture”.

The sultan also warned Idris not to issue confusing and inaccurate statements that would undermine Jakim’s image and reputation, and suggested that the minister attend the festival to see for himself the difference between culture and religion.

Sultan Sharafuddin also ordered officers from Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) and the Shah Alam City Council to attend the programme to see for themselves what happens during the event.

PAS Ulama council and its women’s wing had also supported Idris in his stance.

Despite this, PAS’ ulama council and the women’s wing recently doubled down on discouraging Muslims from participating in the event, saying it contains elements of Buddhist rituals.

Roslan further explained that the party is merely advising Muslims not to attend the festival.

“It was not calling for the festival to be cancelled,” he said. 

The Bon Odori event is scheduled to be held at the Shah Alam Sports Complex in Shah Alam on July 16. – The Vibes, June 16, 2022