KUALA LUMPUR: A deputy minister has come to the defence of Datuk Idris Ahmad over his recent views on the Bon Odori and Oktoberfest cultural festivals which sparked outcry from several quarters.
"As a Muslim and minister in charge of the welfare of Muslims, I think it is not wrong for the minister to express his views (on Bon Odori and Oktoberfest)," Deputy National Unity Minister Senator Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said.
He said this when responding to a supplementary question raised by Lim Guan Eng (PH-Bagan) in Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Aug 3).
Lim wanted to know Wan Ahmad's stand on the recent statements made by Idris with regard to the cultural festivals which could infringe on the rights of non-Muslims.
The Bagan MP said there were more pressing issues such as corruption which the minister should focus on.
On June 6, Idris, who is Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) urged Muslims not to participate in any religious activities that have nothing to do with Islam, including the Bon Odori festival which was held in Shah Alam on July 17.
Idris said studies and observations by the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) have shown that Bon Odori has teachings of other religion and is against Islam.
The minister was subsequently reprimanded by Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who ordered the Selangor Islamic Department (JAIS) not to forbid Muslims to attend the festival.
Penang also recently held the Bon Odori Festival on July 30.
On July 27, Idris once again drew flak when in a written reply in Dewan Rakyat, said while non-Muslims are not forbidden from consuming alcohol, the Oktoberfest event could trigger social problems as alcohol is consumed openly in a festival setting.
Wan Ahmad stressed that he was expressing his views on the Bon Odori and Oktoberfest festivals as a Muslim.
"They are in truth not indigenous to our culture. If there are any views expressed by the minister (Idris), such views should be respected by others," he said, adding that this was in line with the tenets of the Rukun Negara on courtesy and morality.
But Wan Ahmad noted that there are no laws preventing non-Muslims from practicing their cultural beliefs.
He also agreed with Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas) that there is no need for others to interfere with the religious beliefs of others.
He said the House had recently dealt with the issue of smoking as a health issue and the current issue (Oktoberfest) is linked to the consumption of alcohol.
"It would suffice if we can support his (Idris) views based on health concerns," Wan Ahmad added.
While the annual Oktoberfest – touted as the world’s largest beer festival – is held officially in Germany, many countries hold their own versions.
The annual Malaysian-German Society Oktoberfest in Penang will return on Oct 21 and 22 this year.
