Ipoh’s Muslim-friendly tourism is not contradictory to its status as a UNESCO Creative City of Music
By Aida Aziz
IPOH: The recognition of Ipoh as a UNESCO Creative City of Music (UCCN) previously is not contradictory to the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Muslim-Friendly Tourism.
Mayor of Ipoh, Datuk Rumaizi Baharin, emphasizes that Islam does not prohibit musical elements and can be adapted to circumstances.
“Many have asked me about this, how Ipoh can be a creative music city and, at the same time, be Muslim-friendly in tourism.
“Perhaps many do not know, Islam does not prohibit music. Music can coexist, meaning we move forward together.
“There is no problem there for me, music can be Muslim-friendly. For your information, UNESCO places us under the indie rock concept, but don’t think that in indie rock there are no Muslims,” he said during a press conference after chairing the Full Council Meeting here today.
Meanwhile, he also gave examples of songs composed and sung by M. Nasir, which fall under rock but are centered around spirituality.
“Another example is Ramli Sarip, also a rock artist but with a similar conceptualization.
“We will develop the rock concept because the whole world knows it, not just in Ipoh but if possible, including the Nusantara. So, there is no issue for me regarding this matter,” he said.
Recently, the Muslim-Friendly Tourism MoU involved MBI, Hatyai Municipality, Thailand, DPR Acheh, Indonesia, and five local authorities.
It included the Alor Setar City Council (MBAS), Kangar Municipal Council (MPK), Kuala Kangsar Municipal Council (MPKK), Kampar District Council (MDK), and Batu Gajah District Council (MDBG).
