KUALA LUMPUR: If Coldplay's concert makes one 'ignorant' (melalaikan), then there should be a blanket ban on all entertainment shows which are deemed as non-beneficial to the masses.
Irked with calls for cancellation of Coldplay's concert on Nov 22, its fans feel that certain authorities were being unfair to target the British band alone.
Erme Harlini Zullkifli, 39, said if the intention was to curb immorality, the authorities should not take sides.
"Music is universal and fans are matured adults who can judge the good and the bad.
"We are going to the concert to enjoy and appreciate the music and the showmanship, not to hear Coldplay giving lectures on the LGBT movement," said the IT analyst.
Her response came amid Federal Territories Mufti Dr Luqman Abdullah's call for the Coldplay: Music of Spheres Concert to be cancelled as they support the LGBT movement.
He said the public should also refrain from supporting such events which are clearly against the morals and culture of the people in this country.
He added that for the Muslim community, it was necessary to understand that entertainment in Islam has limitations that must be observed and any type of entertainment outside of these limits is against shariah law.
Dr Luqman also said Coldplay's concert does not benefit the community in this country.
Echoing Erme was photographer Shahir Omar who said there were many televisions shows that could make one 'ignorant' such as weekly singing competitions.
The 33-year-old dismissed Dr Luqman's opinion as his own.
"It is as long as concert goers' know their limitations as a Muslim. We do not do things that they tell us to. Well, if the organiser is pressured to cancel it, I am okay with it but there must be a refund.
"But if the argument is because of the sensitivities linked to Palestine, they have been in a crisis for 74 years and not over a month ago when the violence broke out.
"So in the span of 74 years, how many concerts deemed ignorant have been organised? Why only now is there a call for the cancellation? What about in the past?," he added.
Another fan, Aniq Abdul, said if the mufti was serious with his call, he should issue a blanket ban on all forms of entertainment in the city.
The student said there were many entertainment events being organised weekly compared to Coldplay's one night only concert.
"Coldplay is even sensitive with the cultures of Malaysia and Indonesia where it was said they had changed their setlist to suit both countries.
"Coldplay have been around long enough in the music industry so they understand and respect the cultures and laws of the countries they perform in.
"They had also voiced their support against the genocide of Palestinians. Why should we turn away such bands?," he said.
Administrative assistant Shamila Idris said there would be consequences to cancelling a concert.
"While I understand that there are sensitivities that should be respected, cancelling a concert is not just about disallowing a band to perform.
"It affects many people from the crew to vendors and part-timers, many of whom are Malaysians.
"Not forgetting other concert goers who, apart from spending money for the tickets, may have also spent money for flight tickets and hotels.
"I am sure there are also people from neighbouring countries who might have chosen to watch Coldplay in Kuala Lumpur. The economic loss would be huge," she added.
She said cancelling the show would also impact the local arts and music scene and might deter other international performers from coming here.
"We will be losing out, again, economically, when these international acts choose to go to Singapore, Indonesia or Thailand instead."