Powerful, hardline Islamic clerics have thrown a spanner in Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's campaign to promote a 'civilised' Islam by censuring two popular forms of entertainment.
The clerics issued a fatwa, or religious ruling, deeming it a sin for Muslims to participate in competitions using short messaging services (SMS).
The National Fatwa Council ruled that SMS contests were a game of chance and therefore forbidden under Islam.
They also urged the government to stop a television show broadcast from a touring concert of popular Malay singers and dancers. The concerts promoted mixing of the sexes and casual sex, the clerics claimed.
The moves come just before the launch of a 60-page booklet on the concept of Islam Hadhari that details Mr Abdullah's thinking on Islam, justice and moderation and equality of the sexes.
Abdullah Zin, who heads Islamic affairs in Mr Abdullah's office, said: 'Islam Hadhari is not a deviation but a fresh approach to Islam for Muslims in a modern world.
'Islam is not just prayers and rituals ... it is about a progressive, civilised and tolerant multiracial society.'
