KELANTAN has set up a special committee to study whether the Mak Yong dance is shariah-compliant, said a state exco.

“We will try (to permit Mak Yong performances). The special committee will check if Mak Yong shows comply with shariah requirements,” state Unity, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Committee chairman Md Anizam Abdul Rahman told reporters at the Kota Darul Naim Complex in Kota Baru today.

“We will then decide whether to allow Mak Yong shows. At the moment, no Mak Yong performance is allowed in the state.

“The committee is in the final stages of assessing the matter. Wayang kulit has long been allowed (in Kelantan).”

Yesterday, a United Nations special rapporteur called on the Kelantan government to lift the ban on Mak Yong, wayang kulit and other traditional Malay performances in the name of preserving cultural heritage.

Karima Bennounce, special rapporteur in cultural rights, said if such performances are left to die, it would be a huge loss for Malaysians, especially Kelantanese. – Bernama, March 13, 2019.