Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Rashid Hasnon, who is under fire for endorsing an aerobics event in conjunction with Merdeka, insists there is no ban on the event for Muslims.

 

Rashid said the event, dubbed ‘Let's Zumba Carnival’, to be held on Merdeka Day, Aug 31, at Sunway Tunas in Bayan Baru, will proceed as planned.

 

He added that the organiser has assured him that proper guidelines on dressing will be observed.

 

"Can't men and women interact in public? It is merely a fitness programmme," Rashid told Malaysiakini .

 

"The fatwa on a Zumba event in Sabah does not apply to Penang. I have done my homework and have met with the Penang mufti department on the matter," added the Pantai Jerejak assemblyperson.

 

Rashid was criticised recently by Malay NGO Persatuan Mukabuku Pulau Pinang for endorsing the event.

 

The group, a vocal critic of the Penang government, often expresses its views at the Speakers Corner at the Esplanade. It took Rashid to task after seeing banners of him promoting the event.

 

They urged Rashid to emulate the Sabah Fatwa Council which has imposed a ban on Zumba as it is "unIslamic".

 

Rashid, who held a press conference at Komtar this morning on the matter, said the event at Sunway Tunas will be mostly attended by non-Muslims.

 

"Muslim women who take part will follow the guidelines which include wearing tudung," he added.

 

Zumba is a fun fitness programme which incorporates several Latin American dance movements like samba, salsa, mambo and hip-hop.

 

It was popularised by Colombian dancer cum choreographer Alberto “Beto” Perez in the 1990s and is gaining popularity in the country. The government often includes it in its programmes.