The move by PAS to sideline the Bon Odori festival by urging Muslims not to attend the cultural event is just like what it did to the Mak Yong dance for decades in Kelantan, said Sisters in Islam (SIS).

In a statement today, the women's rights group slammed the Islamic party and other like-minded authorities and figures for promoting intolerance and bigotry in a plural and multicultural society.

"Let’s face it. Islamic religious political parties, authorities and figures in Malaysia have a problem with...