Malaysian govt urged against Valentine's Day celebrations

PanARMENIAN.Net - A Muslim youth group on Tuesday, February 7 urged the Malaysian government to campaign against Valentine's Day celebrations, which it said promote immoral activities.

Nik Abduh Nik Aziz, deputy leader of the opposition Parti Islam Semalaysia's youth wing, called for the broadcast of anti-Valentine's Day advertisements to dissuade Muslims from celebrating the event on February 14.

In 2005, Islamic officials ruled that Valentine's Day celebrations were incompatible with Islam because of their Christian elements, and due to certain behaviours connected with the tradition.

"Every year, we join forces with various Muslim non-government organisations to create awareness that celebrating Valentine's Day is against Islam," Nik Abduh said.

Malaysia prides itself on being a diverse and tolerant nation, but Islamic authorities can make and enforce some regulations over Muslims, who make up 60 percent of the country's population.

Last year, religious authorities arrested more than 100 Muslims for celebrating Valentine's Day, Times Live reported.