KUALA LUMPUR: The government will not issue a blanket ban on concerts due to one single controversial incident that happened earlier this year.
Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching said that the Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (PUSPAL) approved 296 foreign artiste performances this year. So far only one untoward incident was reported, and she said it would be unfair to ban concerts due to one incident.
"The 1975 flouted several guidelines and we are in the midst of strengthening the guidelines to avoid reoccurrence. "Just because of one incident, how can we cancel the others? Out of 296 artistes only one happened. How is this fair?," she said in her winding up speech of the ministry's 2024 Supply Bill (2024 Budget) committee level debate today.
Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (Kubang Kerian-PN) interjected and said that the government should take preemptive measures by blocking bands and groups which uphold values against ours.
He stressed that their party is not against concerts, but only to the parties which promote values which are against the country's policies such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT).
Teo said that the government has already made clear its stance over the upcoming Coldplay concert, which is expected to begin later tonight.
She said that the same band has done its concert at a country with the largest Muslim community in the world, Indonesia on Nov 15, hence there should be no reason to cancel ours here.
She said that the artistes are reminded to adhere and respect the local guidelines, law and culture.
"There are many ways to show solidarity to the Palestinians.
"Some choose to boycott McDonalds and Starbucks but not to Mercedes, iPhones and Facebook.
"The choice is up to you.
"Those who have bought the concert tickets, I wish them to enjoy the show.
"Those who do not like, and could not buy the tickets please do not disturb them," she added.
Tuan Ibrahim was furious over the response and asked her to retract her statement.
"A responsible government cannot say, whoever wants to go they can go.
"The government must make sure (concerts) have high moral values.
"Do not simply leave it to the people to make choices, the government must have policies and regulations," he added.