Summary
- The Weeknd’s Bukit Jalil concerts spark debate over alleged religious symbolism.
- Giant golden statue and red-robed dancers draw criticism.
- JAKIM and PUSPAL review allegations and concert guideline compliance.
KUALA LUMPUR, November 9 — Malaysia’s Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) is investigating allegations of religiously sensitive elements during Canadian singer.
The Weeknd’s concerts at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on November 4 and 5. The controversy centres on a giant golden female robot sculpture and dancers wearing red hooded robes.
Which prompted allegations of ritualistic or worship-related symbolism on social media. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Zulkifli Hasan said.
JAKIM was working with the foreign artistes’ performance approval committee, PUSPAL, to verify the allegations and examine compliance with concert guidelines.
The Federal Territories Mufti’s Office also expressed concerns over performances potentially involving religiously inappropriate symbolism.
Zulkifli said appropriate legal action would follow if violations were established, stressing the importance of respecting Malaysia’s religious and cultural sensitivities.
The controversy has sparked wider discussions about artistic expression, religious sensitivities and the regulation of international entertainment performances in Malaysia.
Authorities have yet to announce any confirmed violations, while the allegations surrounding the concert’s stage symbolism remain under investigation.
The allegations remain under review, with no confirmed findings of prohibited religious practices announced.
