Ruling Islamic party PAS is now accepting applications from would-be cinema operators, a top official said today, in a sign of ongoing liberalisation.

"If any operator wants to open a cinema, they can submit their applications now," Takiyuddin Hassan, state executive councillor for local government, housing and health, told AFP .

Takiyuddin said there was only one cinema in the state but it had ceased operations some time ago due to poor demand.

"We will impose some conditions, such as dim lights must kept on to prevent any misbehaviour by the patrons. But if males and females are separated, then the lights can be turned off," he said.

"It will be up to the operators to decide what they want to do."

Wooing young voters

Kelantan is the only state to be ruled by PAS, which in June underwent a series of leadership changes and other reforms designed to tone down its hardline reputation and woo young voters.

The party recently invited Malaysia's latest singing sensation Asmawi Ani, popularly known as Mawi, to the state in October for an open-air concert.

It has also allowed a fashion show and has indicated its readiness to lift the ban on snooker and billiard joints in the state.

"If the public want a cinema, we will accommodate their wishes," Takiyuddin added.