Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews/AP) - Malaysian Idol is under attack by Islamic fundamentalist leaders, who have denounced the local version of the hit American television show as an attempt to steer Muslim youths away from religious fidelity. Malaysian Idol began last month on the predominantly Muslim country's private 8TV network and it is attracting millions of viewers every week.

It has really sparked a flame among Malaysians who want to showcase their talent and be the next superstar. The first audition held in Penang attracted almost 1,000 entries and had people from all walks of life. Participants came from Langkawi, Kelantan, Perak, Negeri Sembilan and as far as Sabah to audition.

Thousands of young, aspiring pop stars - ranging from urban teenagers in Kuala Lumpur to fishermen on Borneo island - have flocked to nationwide auditions for the singing competition, often belting out English-language ballads or gyrating to R&B tunes.

Organisers promise the winner a recording contract and "platinum-selling artist treatment

But the opposition Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (Pas) urged audiences to boycott the programme. "We fear that such shows will create a culture where Malaysians become too emotional, spiritually weak and hungry for fame and glamour," said Mahfuz Omar, a senior Pas official.