Malaysia Islamists want "naughty" Beyonce ban

Beyonce, famous for hit singles such as "Naughty girl," is Malaysian Islamists' latest target for censorship.

Malaysia's conservative Pan Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) is trying to ban the Grammy award-winner's new concert set to take place in Malaysia on Oct. 25.

 We are against western entertainment that promotes hedonism. We do not want our youth to be misled 

Ahmad Sabki, vice-president of PAS Youth

"We are against western entertainment that promotes hedonism. We do not want our youth to be misled," said Ahmad Sabki, vice-president of PAS Youth, was quoted as saying in Thursday's New Straits Times newspaper.

"This performance is not suitable for Muslims, her attire and behavior onstage are immoral."

Beyonce had already cancelled a concert in the mainly Muslim country of 27 million people two years ago because of similar protests by PAS.

Earlier this month, Malaysia initially banned Muslims from attending a concert by U.S. hip-hop band The Black Eyed Peas, which was sponsored by Guinness, one of the brands owned by the world's biggest spirits group Diageo.

The ban was reversed, but a senior official said it was up to the individual's "better judgement" to attend the event.

Banning freedom over important issues

 It is as if for PAS Youth, the effort to fight corruption, abuse of power and inciting racism is less important compared to the efforts to make sure the young who are just learning to love and wish to be entertained freely are obstructed from enjoying a little freedom 

Zaid Ibrahim, former law minister

PAS conservatism on cultural issues has caused problems for the three-member opposition alliance of which it is a part, said Zaid Ibrahim, a former law minister who is now a senior opposition politician.

"It is as if for PAS Youth, the effort to fight corruption, abuse of power and inciting racism is less important compared to the efforts to make sure the young who are just learning to love and wish to be entertained freely are obstructed from enjoying a little freedom," Zaid wrote on his website.