MP wants school music banned

2003-12-27 13:36

Kuwait City - An Islamist parliamentarian has said he is co-ordinating with other MPs to ban music education at schools in Kuwait because it is "anti-Islamic and a waste of time".

Daifallah Buramia al-Mutairi, in a statement received on Saturday, said he could submit such a proposal to parliament, which was due to start a debate on the emirate's education policies in the coming week.

"Music lessons use up the students' time without any benefit. Parents do not send their children to learn how to play music, but for useful scientific education that is good for them and for their nation," said the MP.

Mutairi was a medical doctor before he was elected to parliament for the first time in July's general elections, backed by his tribe for his religious views.

Arguing that music contravened Islam, Mutairi said he would propose substituting music lessons with Islamic education.

Kuwait remains a religiously conservative country, where alcohol and discotheques are banned.

In July 1997, the information ministry banned all public music concerts or shows that contravened sharia Islamic law and Kuwaiti traditions, in line with parliamentary recommendations.

But the emirate recently resumed granting licences to music shows by well-known Arab pop singers, despite opposition from Islamic MPs who made up at least 40% of the 50-member parliament.

- AFP