Kelantan will lift restrictions on public concerts including rock music performances after a 15-year ban.

Takiyuddin Hassan, chairman of the local committee on housing and health in Kelantan - which is governed by Islamic party PAS - told Bernama news agency not all rock music was bad.

"Not all rock music casts a negative influence. There are those with positive influences. We take the ones with positive inflence and allow the public to view their performance," he was quoted as saying.

But Takiyuddin said organisers must abide by set guidelines, including that men and women be seated separately and must observe strict dress codes.

"We welcome and we are willing to allow any organisations or individuals to hold concerts in the state," he said.

More attractive

The PAS government recently allowed traditional entertainment including puppet shows to be performed for the public. The ban was previouly imposed because such performances were said to be against Islam.

PAS has foundered since its humiliating election defeat in 2004 general elections, when it lost the former heartland of Terengganu state and had its presence in parliament slashed from 27 seats to five.

The party underwent a series of leadership changes and other reforms in June to make itself more attractive to Chinese and Indian communities and attempt to form a viable alternative government.