Group raps Kedah’s restrictions on women artistes

Kuala Lumpur: The Joint-Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) has strongly condemned the Kedah government’s recent ruling to impose restrictions on women artistes.

The new ruling violated Article 8 of the Federal Constitution which prohibits gender discrimination and Malaysia’s commitment to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, it said. Under the new ruling, women can perform in front of an all-woman audience but restrictions apply for performances in open spaces, a Malay newspaper reported.

JAG said the new ruling contradicted the Pakatan Rakyat manifesto which promised a more democratic and inclusive society.

JAG added it violated women’s right to work and express themselves, denied the significant contributions of women in the arts and entertainment spheres, and attempted to silence women’s voices in the public space.

“The involvement of women in the entertainment profession is not alien to Malaysian culture,” it said.

“Singers such as Saloma, Sharifah Aini, Anita Sarawak, Sheila Majid, Siti Nurhaliza, Ella, Fish Leong, Suki, Ning Baizura, Jaclyn Victor and many others have long been accepted by Malaysian society and are part of our Malaysian cultural landscape.

“Some of them have also made us proud in the international arena.

“The Sultan of Selangor recently defended the performances of Ella and Mas Idayu, contradicting PAS’ extreme demand for the banning of the concert.”

JAG expressed hoped that political parties would share the wisdom of Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah who saw the arts as a beneficial platform to foster unity.

It also expressed its concern that the restrictions would also remove women artistes from traditional performances, cultural activities and theatre performances.

“It is not clear whether the ruling would extend to women on radio, television and films in the state.

“Are we embarking on a journey headed towards a point in time where women will not only be told what to wear but when to be seen and when to be heard?”

JAG - which comprises the Women’s Centre for Change, Penang; Women’s Aid Organisation; Sisters in Islam; Empower and the All Women’s Action Society - strongly urged the state government to retract the restrictions with immediate effect.

“No one – male or female, should be deprived of their right to a livelihood and participation in any sphere of Malaysian life.”