The Kelantan state government is considering reopening movie theatres in the state following the success of the local blockbuster Mat Kilau, says Kelantan state Menteri Besar, Datuk Ahmad Yakob.
According to Utusan, Ahmad Yakob said while the state government is still examining the proposal and discussions being carried out at various levels, he remained ‘very positive’ about the reopening of movie theatres in the state.
“We know we cannot prevent the human nature to get entertainment, however, it must be in accordance with the teachings of Islam,” he said.
Nonetheless, the issue of movie theatres was once again brought up by netizens after PAS Youth Chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari was caught going to a movie at a cinema in Kuala Lumpur, while the same governing party imposed a ban on movie theaters in Kelantan.
The policy caused the people of Kelantan the need to venture to other states if they want to watch a movie.
“The absence of movie theatres in the state caused the people of Kelantan to travel to Terengganu or to the Klang Valley to watch the blockbuster movie Mat Kilau,” Ahmad Yakob said.
Emphasis on art and entertainment
Meanwhile, he said the state government is also ready to examine all new inputs and views regarding the art and culture of Kelantan, including the Mak Yong Menora and Main Puteri. He added that this is essential to preserve the art and culture of the people of Kelantan.
“In addition to input from art and industry activists, we will also take the views of scholars and the State Mufti Department if it is related to religious issues,” he shared.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister of Kelantan Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah said the state government has never rejected the preservation and development of art and culture in the state, since the reign of the late Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.
“Art and entertainment are part of life and people need entertainment.”
“What Tok Guru did when he was appointed Menteri Besar, he did not prevent entertainment but instead refined it to meet religious requirements,” he said.
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