Moderation critics slam PAS’ ban on ‘loud noise’ on Thursday night

PETALING JAYA: Moderation advocates have criticised the PAS-led Kelantan state government’s decision to ban entertainment or loud noise in the state on Thursday night.

Former law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim said the move only serves to alienate PAS leaders from broader public support.

He slammed the state government for introducing such regulations on their whim without considering the needs of the public as a whole.

“What is making loud noises that involve entertainment?

“The ruling is vague and incoherent, and it is an abuse of power.

“Why is the state government deciding what the people can or cannot do on a Thursday evening until Friday?

“Why can’t the people enjoy entertainment during that day?” he said yesterday when asked to comment on the state government’s announcement.

Zaid also said the Kelantan government should clarify whether PAS ceramah events using loudspeakers will be scrutinised as well.

Lawyer-activist Siti Kasim also hit out at the state government for imposing the ban, saying that the move encroaches on the rights of the people of Kelantan and businesses.

“The PAS government has no right to stop people from enjoying entertainment.

“A Kelantan resident should challenge the enactment in court to see whether such a ruling is constitutional,” she said.

She added that the state government is doing it for political mileage and want to prove that they are more religious than others.

Fellow moderate advocate Anas Zubedy also expressed concern over the ruling and urged the state government to reconsider its decision.

“Muslims are supposed to be able to stay focused when performing their prayers,” he added.

Kelantan local government housing, health and environment committee chairman Hilmi Abdullah said the ban came under the 1998 Control of Entertainment and Places of Entertainment Enactment.

“The ban is meant to encourage Muslims to increase their acts of worship from Thursday after the Asar prayer until Friday evening,” Bernama quoted him as saying.

He said the enforcement of the ban was due to numerous instances of individuals violating regulations, including a recent incident where an event organiser tested the public address system at a location near a mosque in Kelantan.