Malaysia’s opposition party PAS wants ‘Malaysian Idol’ scrapped

Producer: Felix Tan
First broadcast: 23 July 04, Radio Singapore International

In what seems to be yet another frivolous attempt by Malaysia’s opposition Parti Islam SeMalaysia or PAS, to paint a picture that Malaysian society is decadent, it wants the reality show ‘Malaysian Idol’ to be scrapped.

However, ‘Malaysian Idol’ - Malaysia’s version of the hit show ‘American Idol’ - has seen its viewership quadruple to a record high of two million.

PAS has argued that such talent shows will have a corrupting influence on youths and make them neglect their religious duties.

But how far are PAS’s arguments sound?

Felix Tan put this question to Professor Shamsul Amri (SA), of the University Kebangsaan Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur:

SA: “Well, first of all, PAS is bankrupt with ideas and comments. And this comment is really lowest ebb because there is also another programme called ‘Academic Fantasia’ which does the same thing - almost, but yet, they have not made any comments. So, it only shows PAS’s problems in dealing… Perhaps, what they should comment now is about Islam Hadari, I mean, it is better for them to comment on this concept, which Abdullah Badawi put forth… But they have no response… so, we have to treat this comment as a mischievous comment rather than a political comment of any worthy of commentary, for example.”

PAS has said that the show - Malaysian Idol - has ruined the fabric of Malaysian society and made the youths neglect their religious duties. Now, are there any actually drawbacks, I mean, socially speaking - does it really affect the youths?

SA: “Well, the youths will find entertainment anyway in their own ways. What is being shown now across in ‘Malaysian Idol’ and also in similar programmes or programmes of the same genres, is actually to attract the youths to more of these mainstream programmes. So, how could it be, in a sense, destroying the youths? Why don’t PAS comment on the increase of narcotic use among the youths and gambling among the youths. Give some statistics and response to those things. So, again, it shows PAS has nothing else to do now.”

PAS has even said that the name ‘Malaysian Idol’ contradicts Islamic principles, by encouraging people to worship their favourite artistes instead of God. What do you make of this interpretation of idolatry?

SA: “I think they have totally misunderstand the concept of ‘Malaysian Idol’ or ‘American Idol’ for that matter. If they know what the concept idol, I think they have a literal translation they have. Of course idolatry is against Islam, but ‘Malaysian Idol’ or programmes like ‘American Idol’ has brought out even character like William Hung to create new… I think they are totally out of their depth when they made this comment. I think they have not followed the programme really well and closely… in Australia, in America, in France, in Germany and elsewhere. In fact, it helps that they use to get it organised into a very healthy activity. It is a singing competition, presentation and it trains them to present themselves amicably in front of the public. I mean, what else do you want from the youths?”

I mean, the show ‘Malaysian Idol’ does it have any advantages in terms of encouraging youths to show their talents instead of ‘worshipping’ one another?

SA: “Well, it is basically a talent show with another name. A TV talent show with another name. Why don’t they comment on ‘Survivor’, why don’t they comment on ‘Big Brother’ - these are big… daily lives on TV. I don’t think they watch TV, really.”

PAS has accused that ‘Malaysian Idol’ contradicts Islamic principles, but isn’t PAS doing the same sort of thing because their supporters support or idolise their leaders as well?

SA: “Well, I think I do not want to be too literal because not only PAS, UMNO too idolises their leaders - for 20 years. So, I think what we are looking at is a commentary, which comes amidst misunderstanding and total ignorance of entertainment programmes. I mean PAS has carried out a lot of these campaigns what they call ‘forum perdana’. This is actually a campaign for the whole family to come around, to listen to the ‘rubbishing’ of the government and whatever else in the world. I mean, what do you call those programmes? Those information are carried ‘live’. So, I do not know which is which, in that sense. But that is their form of entertainment.”

Will we see the Malaysian authorities scrapping the ‘Malaysian Idol’ or another such reality or talent shows in the future because, maybe, more and more people might voice their disagreements?

SA: “Well, ‘Malaysian Idol’… I do not think it should be scrapped. What needs to be scrapped is PAS and its leadership now because they are not Malaysian idols in many ways.”