Poco-Poco ban: Johor awaits state mufti’s confirmation

In a brief statement, the Johor Exco for State Religious Affairs, Zainal Abidin Osman said that he is unable to comment further on the legitimacy of the popular poco-poco dance from the Islamic point of view until he receives a confirmation from the state Mufti.

He was replying to a question from the press here yesterday.

The issue started when the Mufti of Perak, Harussani Zakaria was quoted as saying in one mainstream newspaper that the Perak state fatwa committee has ruled that the poco poco dance is ‘haram’ (illegitimate) from the Islamic point of view.

And the Pahang Mufti, Abdul Rahman Othman, said he will need to study the matter further before putting up for decision in the state fatwa committee.

While the Mufti of Kedah, Sheik Muhamad Baderuddin commented that he will go thorough the matter before submitting it to the state fatwa committee for a decision.

The Selangor 12-members fatwa committee will meet on April 12 to discuss the issue as announced by the state Mufti, Mohd Tamyes Abdul Wahid.

Meanwhile, the Minister in the Prime Minister department, Jamil Khir Johari said that decision made by the Perak fatwa committee can create confusion within the community.

He said that the matter should have been referred to the National Fatwa Council for a decision as it is a national issue.

The issue needs to have the unanimous agreement by the council members comprising of ulama (theologians) to issue a ruling so as to avoid confusing the people.

Poco-poco is an Indonesian mass folk dance originated from Minahasa, North Sulawesi in Indonesia.