11/09/2025

THURSDAY | SEPT 11, 2025

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Knights Award welcomes its fourth season o Premier ennoblement ceremony returns with global ambition and star power to showcase Malaysian talents

Mufti department tightens oversight on kuda kepang shows

JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor fatwa on kuda kepang performances has been in place since 2009 but has yet to be gazetted, with the state government opting for an educational approach rather than punitive enforcement, said Johor Mufti Datuk Yahya Ahmad. He said the religious edict was refined in 2013 and further strengthened in 2019, but formal adoption has been held back to give the public time to understand the distinction between cultural expressions permitted in Islam and those prohibited. “We’re not trying to erase cultural heritage. Culture can be preserved, but it must align with Syariah. What is beneficial should be passed down and what contradicts Islam must be stopped.” Yahya said the Johor Mufti Department, together with Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia conducted a year-long study to identify which elements of kuda kepang are permissible and which should be avoided. The findings, he added, will underpin comprehensive guidelines to ensure the traditional dance, deeply rooted in Johor’s Javanese community, continues without compromising Islamic principles. Yahya stressed that such guidelines are vital to curb elements of worship, superstition and excessive behaviour that could tarnish Islam’s image and create public misconceptions. “Public awareness must be strengthened to ensure performances remain within Syariah boundaries.” The issue resurfaced recently after a viral video allegedly showed ritualistic elements, intoxication and behaviour deemed disrespectful to Islam, prompting a strong response from the authorities. “If a small group disagrees, we must still consider the majority who want such practices curbed. We cannot allow the image of the state

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

become cut-throat. “We started with five countries. Then 10, then 30. This year? Over 50 nations. The jury had a tough time.” The 15-member panel is stacked with names from banking, business, law enforcement and the arts, including a former Selangor deputy police chief (Datuk Sasikala Devi Subramaniam) and actor Datuk Aaron Aziz. The awards ceremony is scheduled for next month at the Petronas Philharmonic Hall in KLCC and will be co-hosted with the Commonwealth Youth Innovation Hub, pulling in representation from all 56 Commonwealth nations. Star power isn’t lacking either. Grammy award winner Peabo Bryson will be among this year’s honourees, Hong Kong’s Wayne Lai will beam in via video, Canadian singer Rozette is set for her Malaysian debut and Malaysian icon Datuk David Arumugam of Alleycats will also be recognised. On the sidelines, Wong is rolling out an memorandum of understanding with JDX Tea, festival promos with JDX for the Mid Autumn Festival and a showcase booth to launch his new perfume. “The message is clear: the Knights Award is no longer just about the glitz. It’s Malaysia flexing on the world stage,” added Wong.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Knights Award is back for its fourth season and it is raising the bar by trimming the winners’ list to 31 while dialling up Malaysia’s image as a global recognition hub and tourism hotspot. Established in 2021, the award brands itself as an “ennoblement” ceremony that not only hands out trophies but symbolically elevates achievers onto a global stage. Past seasons honoured up to 50 recipients, but for this year, organisers say exclusivity is the new prestige. Council president Dr Zyro Wong said the 2025 theme Beyond Borders is about pushing the award’s international clout while putting Malaysia firmly on the map. “My hope is that the Knights Award becomes a strong platform to build international connections. It’s not just about giving awards, it’s about strengthening ties and uplifting Malaysia’s name globally,” he said during the Season 4 press launch. Wong also pitched the event as a booster for Malaysia’s ecotourism. “Malaysia isn’t just a destination for awards but a stunning backdrop for visitors. This is our chance to showcase Malaysia at its best.” Competition, he admitted, has

Yahya said guidelines for kuda kepang performances are necessary to curb elements of worship and superstition that could tarnish Islam’s image. – COURTESY PIC FROM SERI IRWARNA TARI FACEBOOK

Last week, three men were sentenced to one month’s jail and fined RM2,000 by the Batu Pahat Syariah Court for taking part in a ritual linked to a viral video titled ‘Show Puja Jin Batu Pahat’. The ritual is believed to be tied to a kuda kepang performance. – Bernama

and Islam to be tarnished just to please a few,” said Yahya. He also pointed out that enforcement is not solely based on fatwa but is supported by state enactments that allow legal action against activities involving spirit worship, superstition or anything that could threaten the Islamic faith.