KUALA LUMPUR: The Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) has strongly condemned the Kedah government's recent ruling to impose restrictions on women artistes.

It said yesterday the new ruling violated Article 8 of the Federal Constitution which prohibits gender discrimination and Malaysia's commitment to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

Under the new ruling, women can perform in front of an all-woman audience but restrictions apply for performances in open spaces.

"The new ruling contradicts the Pakatan Rakyat manifesto which promised a more democratic and inclusive society.

"It violates women's right to work and express themselves and denies the significant contributions of women in arts and entertainment and attempts to silence women's voices.

"The involvement of women in the entertainment profession is not alien to Malaysian culture.

"The Sultan of Selangor recently defended the performances of Ella and Mas Idayu, contradicting PAS' extreme demand for the banning of the concert," it said.

JAG, which comprises the Women's Centre for Change, Penang; Women's Aid Organisation; Sisters in Islam; Empower and the All Women's Action Society, strongly urged the state government to immediately retract the restrictions.