Indonesian minister calls for Miss World to be cancelled

The Indonesian Ulema Council has expressed strong opposition to Miss World because it doesnt fit with Islamic teachings that say Muslim women should cover immodest parts of their bodies, the minister said late Thursday.

The minister is the first government official to publicly voice opposition to the pageant,dealing a fresh blow to the Britain-based organisers.

His statement came the same day a commissioner from the countrys National Human Rights Commission said he opposed an event that put womens bodies on display.

The local organisers were not fazed by the ministers comments however,saying the issue was not his domain and that the show must go on.

This is not an Islamic country and this event is an issue of culture,not religion, Adjie S Soeratmadjie,corporate secretary of broadcaster and local organiser RCTI,said,adding several other ministers supported Miss World.

Indonesia may a Muslim-majority nation,but its constitution is not Islamic.

Hardline groups in Indonesia have forced cancellation of events deemed un-Islamic in the past. Last year,pop star Lady Gaga pulled out of the Indonesian leg of her tour after hardliners threatened to burn down the venue and criticised her for wearing only a bra and panties.