We Re Not Against Concerts Just Unwelcome Values Says Pas Man

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Deputy communications and digital minister Teo Nie Ching said all artistes performing in Malaysia had been told that they must respect the laws and cultural norms of the country. (Envato Elements pic)KUALA LUMPUR: A PAS MP says the party has no objection to the hosting of concerts in Malaysia but only opposes the promotion of values that contradict the nation’s policies.
Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN-Kubang Kerian) said having guidelines was insufficient and that the government must proactively prevent the entry of groups promoting values conflicting with the country’s regulations to avoid controversy.
“The government is aware of the background of certain music groups entering Malaysia… They’re promoting LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) and such,” he said when interjecting deputy communications and digital minister Teo Nie Ching’s winding-up speech in the Dewan Rakyat today.
“We are not against concerts. We are against the promotion of values that contradict the country’s policies.”
Tuan Ibrahim’s response followed an earlier call by a PAS lawmaker to cancel an upcoming international concert featuring Bollywood stars.
Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (PN-Kuala Krai) deemed the “Stars on Fire” concert scheduled for Dec 1 inappropriate and insensitive, especially amid the ongoing conflict in Palestine.
Latiff had also reiterated previous calls to cancel Coldplay’s concert, scheduled to take place tonight at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Responding to such calls made throughout the earlier committee-level debate, Teo pointed out that the British rock band held a concert in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Nov 15.
“Why is it that Indonesia, with the largest Muslim population in the world, can allow Coldplay to hold their concert, and we, Malaysia, cannot?” she asked.
Teo said the ministry had communicated to all artistes, regardless of their origin, that if they intended to come to Malaysia, they must respect the laws and cultural norms of the country.
“That is the stance of the communications and digital ministry as well as the Madani government. I believe that regardless of who is in power, the government will support such a stance,” she said.
Teo went on to extend good wishes to those who had purchased tickets for the Coldplay concert tonight, and hoped they would enjoy the experience.
“For those who either do not like Coldplay or were unable to buy tickets, there should be no interference or disturbance.”
However, Tuan Ibrahim, who was not satisfied with her answer, contended that the government could not simply leave it to the people to decide.
“The government’s responsibility is to ensure high moral values for the people. Do not leave it to the people to make choices.” - FMT

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