PAS Youth has stood up to the party's Dewan Ulama (religious scholars' wing), which has objected to the Kelantan government's sponsorship of a concert on Oct 1, to celebrate the declaration of its capital Kota Bahru as an Islamic city.

Youth chief Salahuddin Ayub said when contacted today that he endorses the concert and the decision of Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat to provide alternative and contemporary entertainment.

"I strongly support the efforts to reach out to youngsters via alternative entertainment. The move does not contravene religious rules and is merely a different approach by PAS to reach out to the youth. We cannot isolate the youth," Salahuddin said.

He was asked to respond to media reports today on the Dewan Ulama's objections to the PAS-led Kelantan government's move to invite popular singer Mawi to perform.

Mawi, whose full name is Asmawi Ani, recently won the television talent show Akademi Fantasi 3 and already has a huge following among Malay-Muslim teenagers in particular.

Dewan Ulama chief Harun Taib, however, said that inviting Mawi was unacceptable as he is not a religious performer but the product of a competition which "contradicts Islamic teachings".

Harun told Malay-language daily Utusan Malaysia that he would have no objections if Mawi were truly an "Islamic entertainer".

No consultation

The report also described Harun as being displeased that he had not been consulted over the decision and said he had only found out about this through media reports.

In response, Salahuddin said it was not necessary for the Dewan Ulama to be consulted over a programme organised by the state.

"We were not consulted as well. That's not a problem. In terms of the objection, I think it is just a matter of a difference of opinion," he said.

Salahuddin also said he sees Nik Aziz's move as reflecting open-mindedness and, through this, the party's vision and mission as well

"This is parallel to our stand on embracing the youth. We must love them and not isolate them. Involving alternative artistes would be useful to such attempts. I always look forward to pro-active approaches by PAS," he added.

Nik Aziz, who is PAS spiritual leader, had reportedly said yesterday that parties objecting to the concert and performers should come up with an alternative programme for the event.

The two-hour long free concert will also feature veteran singer M Nasir and nasyid group Rabanni.