MUMBAI: Malaysian private television network 8TV's reality show Malayasian Idol is under attack by Islamic fundamentalist leaders. They allege that the show is an attempt to steer Muslim youths away from religious fidelity.

The opposition Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (Pas) has 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," Mahfuz Omar, a senior Pas official, is quoted in media reports as saying.

The show, which is the local version of the hit American television show American Idol , began airing last month and has been attracting millions of viewers since then. The first audition held in Penang attracted almost 1,000 entries and had people from all walks of life participating. 

The winner is promised with a recording contract and "platinum-selling artist treatment."