Moderation critics slam PAS’ ban on ‘loud noise’ on Thursday night
“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?”
(The Star) – 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.
