LINE DANCING: A file picture of foreign ministers’ spouses learning the steps of the ‘poco-poco’ dance during a luncheon on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit in Kuala Lumpur. — AFP photo
KOTA BAHARU: The Mufti of Kelantan yesterday suggested that the National Fatwa Council conduct a study on the ‘poco-poco’ to determine its legal validity before deciding whether to ban the line dance popular at social events.
Datuk Mohamad Shukri Mohamad said the matter had to be discussed at the federal level because it was a national issue and the states could take the cue from the ruling.
Perak Mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria announced recently that the Perak Fatwa Committee had banned the dance as it contained Christian influences.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim said yesterday the dance was a form of exercise and should not be banned nationwide.
Mohamad Shukri told Bernama the state fatwa committee could only apply ‘fatwa” (edicts) decided by the National Fatwa Council if they involved national issues for the sake of coordination.
He advised Muslims to leave it to the authorities to make a decision and not discuss the issue to the extent of allowing their differences of opinion to cause disunity. — Bernama