GEORGE TOWN: Penang has no plans to cancel the Bon Odori Festival scheduled on July 30, said tourism and creative economy committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin.
He said the festival, which had been held here for the past 10 years, was a collaboration between the state and the Consulate General of Japan in Penang to spur cultural tourism.
“As much as we honour and respect individual religious beliefs and perspectives towards the Bon Odori Festival, we will not restrict anybody from participating in cultural-based events. In fact, the Prime Minister in his recent visit to Japan, suggested enhancing the bilateral relations between Malaysia and Japan,” he said.
Yeoh added that as the country marks the 65th anniversary of relations between Malaysia and Japan, as well as the 40th anniversary of the Look East Policy, the appreciation of local cultures and context is mandatory to propel deeper and more solid cooperation.
Yeoh also said that there were no elements of worship or religious rituals involved in the festival.
Seri Delima assemblyman Syerleena Abdul Rashid said education and understanding are needed to foster healthy inter-faith and cross-cultural understanding.
“If Malaysians understand the context of the celebration, the tradition and its cultural significance, there should not be an issue,” she said.
Jelutong MP RSN Rayer said Bon Odori was held to promote and strengthen cultural ties between Malaysia and Japan by promoting Japanese culture, music, drinks and food.
“In Malaysia, the Bon Odori festival has been celebrated since 1977.
“No one is compelled to go and those who wish to stay away can do so.
“Through the festival, we can project and promote Malaysia as a much desired tourist destination and a trade partner.
“We cannot keep imposing unnecessary and baseless bans on such festivals especially after the two-year Covid-19 hiatus,” he said.
Machang Bubuk assemblyman Lee Khai Loon said in Penang, Bon Odori is a cultural event to celebrate the Japan-Malaysia friendship.
“There is no religious worship involved.
“We should respect cultural differences and appreciate the efforts of the Japanese government and people who want to promote friendship and trade,” he said.
Recently, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Idris Ahmad advised Muslims not to participate in any religious activities that have nothing to do with Islam, including the Bon Odori festival, which will take place in Shah Alam on July 17.
Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor also advised Muslims against being involved in the Bon Odori Festival.
