Communications and Multimedia Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek today urged religious authorities to educate offenders instead of punishing them.

 

He was speaking about the recent controversy where a number of tudung-clad fans were seen being given hugs by K-Pop boyband B1A4 at its concert last Sunday.

This had resulted in criticism from members of the public.

The Federal Territories Islamic Affairs Department (Jawi) had threatened to obtain arrest warrants against the women in the video unless they identify themselves and cooperated with it.

 

Meanwhile, Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Abdul Rahman Dahlan took to Twitter to voice his disapproval towards Jawi.

 

“Talk to them. Counsel them. Advice them (sic). But threatening them with arrest? That’s absolutely unnecessary. That’s over the top.

 

“And when you do finally realise that counselling them is the best option, do it privately to avoid embarrassing them. Please,” he posted.

 

'Stop overreacting'

Separately, Pulai MP and Public Accounts Committee chief Nur Jazlan tweeted that this should not have been an issue and it is up to the executive to stop Jawi from overreacting on it.

As for Shabery, he said things could happen spontaneously and the situation can be "difficult to control" when live audiences were involved."

"For certain issues, I think advice should be given. I think punishing is not what the authorities should do every time, he said at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

 

"There are times when we can take action based on law, and there are times we should just provide advice.

 

“Education is more important so that the people can choose what is good and what is not good. Don't just punish because this could create more complications in the future.

"If we punish this and not punish that, then the issue of being selective will arise and the issue will never end. I leave it to the relevant authorities to take the best action," he added.

Meanwhile, former Higher Education Minister Saifuddin Abdullah ( left ) tweeted, “The main responsibility for youth education outside of formal education institutions fall on the parents. The government is responsible as well, but within reason.

 

“If you are going to arrest Muslims who hug non- mahrims in public, there would be many arrests: On film, in the media, on Instagram and Facebook , in halls, stadiums, and so on.”

 

Mahrim is a term used in Islamic jurisprudence to refer to another person of the opposite sex and have reached puberty but with whom one is not allowed to marry, such as one’s parents, siblings, and children.

 

Later today, Gerakan vice-president Asharuddin Ahmad said that while the actions on stage between the artists and fans were inappropriate, the public backlash has “gone overboard and unnecessary”.

 

He urged the tourism and culture ministry to introduce guidelines for foreign artists and performers to prevent similar incidents.

The public, he added, should not overreact and learn a lesson from the incident instead.

 

“Event organisers have the responsibility to ensure that performing artistes are informed of religious and cultural sensitivities of society.

 

Prior consent obtained from participants does not excuse them from the responsibility,” Asharuddin said in a statement.