Kelantan explains Yusof Islam invitation By C.A. ZULKIFLE
KOTA BARU: Kelantan is keen to have Yusof Islam perform here because the singer, previously known as Cat Stevens, is the only Western artiste promoting the message of Islam globally. State Local Government committee chairman Takiyuddin Hassan said Yusof, like Malaysia's own singing sensation Mawi, has his own fan base and is accepted by various age groups in Kelantan. He said this after witnessing the handover of duties for the president's post of the Kota Baru Municipal Council here yesterday. State economic development unit deputy director Shafie Ismail is the new council president, replacing Ab Aziz Ab Rahman, who has been appointed state Islamic Affairs department director. He said Yusof's concert here is one of two major events that the state is planning for Visit Malaysia Year 2007 and to promote Kelantan as a progressive Islamic state. The other proposed event will be an international halal food exhibition. He hoped both events could be held in March and April. Asked about the PAS-style dance clubs proposed recently, Takiyuddin said the guidelines were simple. "Single boys and girls cannot dance together. They have to do so in segregated areas. Married couples can dance together," he said, stressing this was his personal view.//Thestar
