Gender segregation at live shows: "why only now?" - Jennifer Thompson

“We have not done it before, so why should we do it now?”

Local concert organiser, Jennifer Thompson raised the question as a response to a set of guidelines by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) for artistes and entertainers to perform in the country.

The veteran industry player stressed such ruling should be extensively discussed with the responsible quarters first before it being implemented.

“We need to place sufficient and coherent thoughts before its implementation. There should be an open discussion especially when we live in an open multi-cultural and multi-religious society,” she said when contacted by Astro AWANI Saturday.

The second edition of the guideline was released by Jakim last week after being approved by the 107th National Fatwa Committee Conference in February.

Part of the rules includes the segregation of male and female audiences and performers at 'live shows' held in the country.

Jakim also stressed that music and lyrics should not boast any elements of “worships” which are considered sacred to believers of other religions.

Recording Industry Association of Malaysia (RIM) when contacted said a meeting with take place to discuss the new guideline pertaining to the gender segregation.

President Norman Abdul Halim said the meeting will by organised by RIM and involve other music associations.

“The meeting will discuss the Jakim guideline where we will decide on the next course of action,” said Norman.

Norman, who is also the President and Group Chief Executive Officer of KRU Records, however refused to issue a personal stance on the matter citing that the body responsible for giving out licences to stage concerts in Malaysia is the Central Agency for the Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artists (Puspal).

“We will refer to PUSPAL to ensure the new guideline does not breach the current rules,” he said.

The guideline can be downloaded on Jakim’s website. The incident involving a K-pop group and a group of fanatic female fans during a KL concert in January have drawn brickbats from religious bodies.

The fans – who donned the headscarves – on stage was heavily criticised as their action were deemed “un-Islamic”.