Apr 1, 2011
'Poco-poco' Dance banned for Malaysian Muslims
Islamic clerics in a Malaysian state want Muslims to avoid a popular dance they claim has Christian influences.
The "poco-poco" is a line dance that is common at social events in Muslim-majority Malaysia. It is widely thought to have originated in Indonesia.
Islamic scholars in Malaysia's Perak state say they believe the "poco-poco" is traditionally a Christian dance and that its steps make the sign of the cross.
State cleric Harussani Idris Zakaria said Friday the scholars have issued an edict forbidding the dance. It is not clear if other states will ban it.
Some Muslims insist the ban is unnecessary. Malaysian clerics have also banned yoga for Muslims and barred girls from behaving like tomboys, but the edicts are not legally binding.
***************
Semalam, Menteri Besar Perak Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir berkata kerajaan negeri akan mematuhi keputusan Jawatankuasa Fatwa Negeri Perak berhubung pengharaman tarian poco-poco, yang telah diputuskan Januari lalu.
Zambry berkata, kerajaan negeri akan menghormati keputusan itu memandangkan satu fatwa berkaitan dengannya telah dikeluarkan.
Maklumat diperoleh dari beberapa blog menunjukkan tarian poco-poco yang menjadi tarikan banyak pihak turut dikenali sebagai pocor-pocor atau pocoh-pocoh disebabkan muzik dan sebagai aktiviti ringan.
Bagaimanapun beberapa tulisan lain pula mendakwa tarian yang datangnya dari Indonesia membawa unsur-unsur mengasyikkan dan ada unsur salib ekoran langkah pergerakan ke kanan-kiri-depan-belakang.
