FPI Against Plan to Hold Miss World in Indonesia

Jakarta (Antara) - The Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) said it stands firm against a plan to hold the 2013 Miss World beauty contest in the country. "We should like to affirm that FPI rejects the holding of Miss World in Indonesia," FPI chairman Habib Rizieq Shihab at a function marking the 15th anniversary of the mass organization here on Sunday. The contest is against religious norms because it exhibits parts of female body, he said. The FPI chief warned the government against issuing a permit to the contest's organizing committee. He also called on the people to reject the plan. "So it is the people who will speak. If the people act themselves to foil the Miss World, don't blame them, but blame the President and the DPR (House of Representatives) that have the authority but do not use it," he said. Earlier, on Friday, the Indonesia Council of Ulemas (MUI) expressed its firm rejection to the contest. "After closely observing and studying carefully regarding those who are against and in favor of the Miss World 2013 in Indonesia, MUI hereby states its rejection to it," MUI's head of foreign affairs, Muhyiddin Junaidi, said. Indonesia is scheduled to host the Miss World 2013 on September 4-6 in Jakarta and Bali. The MNC as the organizer meanwhile has said that no bikini session would be held in the world's beauty contest. Despite the statement MUI however remains rejecting the event. (*)