KUALA LUMPUR: After making calls to cancel the Coldplay concert held yesterday, a Perikatan Nasional (PN) member of Parliament is now trying to cancel a beauty pageant set to take place next month.
Muhammad Ismi Mat Taib (PN-Parit) said the event, Miss World Noble Queen 2023 pageant, is not suitable to be held amid the ongoing war involving Palestinians and the current monsoon seson faced by the people here.
"Do we need this? I object.
"We must respect Islamic values because the majority of people here are Muslims and Islam is the official religion.
"We should not invite doom from holding immoral (maksiat) events," he said when debating 2024 Supply Bill (2024 Budget) committee level for the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) at Dewan Rakyat today.
Datuk Willie Mongin (Puncak Borneo-GPS) interjected and said the Parit rep should retract his statement.
He said everyone should celebrate the diversity and stressed that such an event will not cause disturbances to other religions.
"To say the beauty pageant can invite doom and was not in respect of Islam, I think it is better he retracts this statement.
"Do not use religion," he said.
Teresa Kok (PH-Seputeh) said such international events can bring in revenue through incoming tourists and business travelers.
"It is a private company event, why disturb them?" she said.
Muhammad Ismi said a beauty pageant was not suitable as participants will expose their aurat and wear sexy clothing.
"This is not suitable with Islamic values, there are many other ways to gain revenue from tourism," he added.
