Minister Refers Aliff Syukri’s Controversial Raya Video To JAKIM, Urges The Public To Stop Sharing It

By Lara Kramer  •  26 Apr 2022 in News

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The Raya video of controversial entrepreneur Datuk Seri Aliff Syukri’s song titled Kelepok Raya has been referred to the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM).

A minister of the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Senator Datuk Idris Ahmad, said the video which featured a group of effeminate male dancers, is immoral and not in line with Islamic teachings.

According to Idris, the video should not be associated with the celebration of Muslims during the month of Ramadan. Idris has also requested for the public not to share the video on social media any further.

“As a preliminary action, I have referred this video clip to JAKIM.”

He also noted that he advises the society to refrain from broadcasting such videos on any media platform, or ensure that the clips are private, only for the personal view of the video owner.

Without explicitly mentioning Aliff Syukri, he also said that he believes the conscience and hearts of the general public may be put at ease if religious teachings are obeyed, and it is even likely that God will reward those who follow His commands.

He went on to advise influential persons to use their platforms and God-given gifts as ethically as possible, as they may be in the position to teach Muslims to fear Allah and stay away from behaviours that distance themselves from piety, especially during this Holy month.

Idris added that he would like to meet with Aliff, shall the opportunity arise as a sign of ukhuwah (brotherhood) among Muslims.

A large majority of netizens are in agreement with Idris’s suggestions, many ridiculing the 5-and-a-half minute clip. Some considered the entire song to have been tainted by the outrageous, feminine style of the male dancers clad in make up.

Others described the actions displayed in the music video as a subtle way to normalise the deviation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in the country, a matter that JAKIM has been actively trying to curb.

Another lagu Raya that has seemed to enrage the public is DOLLA‘s rendition called ‘Raya Raya Raya’.

The popular M-pop girl group has been under fire in the past, with accusations of trying to copy Blackpink, a four-piece girl band from South Korea. This new release could not escape such criticism, as netizens once again claimed that they noticed similarities between the two groups.

Many deemed the clip ‘unsuitable’ for Hari Raya, saying that the video exuded Chinese New Year or Christmas vibes instead. Others noted that modern music was simply incapable of capturing the spirit of Raya.