Women performers barred from T'ganu temple event due to open space

A temple in Kuala Terengganu was not granted an exemption for women to perform at a celebration event due to it being in an open space, said a Terengganu executive council member. 

Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah, who oversees local councils, said under Kuala Terengganu City Council guidelines, an exemption can be given on the ban on women performing before a male audience if the audience is non-Muslim.

However, in the case of the Guan Di temple, the performance was held in a space that was accessible to all.

“The arts and cultural dancing and singing performance (permit) requested by the Guan Di Temple Supporters’ Association involved male and female audiences in an open tent in an open space of the temple’s premises where passers-by can see the performances.

“As such, the performances could not be considered exclusively for non-Muslims and the general guidelines banning female performers apply,” Wan Sukairi (above) said in a statement yesterday. 

He stressed that the guidelines were general and non-discriminatory and that the Terengganu government did not forbid any programmes as long as they abide by guidelines. 

Previously, China Press reported that the Kuala Terengganu City Council had given a notice to the Guan Di temple to enforce the female performers ban during a celebration event held from July 29 to Aug 2.

Seputeh MP Teresa Kok in response questioned why rules that were meant for Muslims were being applied to non-Muslims.

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