KUALA LUMPUR: Claims that it was the government that failed to secure Taylor Swift's lucrative Eras Tour despite contact having already been initiated in 2022 are wrong.
Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim said the concert was never offered to the Malaysian government under a joint contract with Sportswork Group Sdn Bhd.
"The concert was never offered to Malaysia under the joint contract with Sportswork, Malaysia Stadium Corporation (PSM) and US-based company ASM Global.
"Hence, what was reported is entirely wrong. The contract signed in early 2023 was only to support overall venue management."
Earlier this week, it was reported that Malaysia had the opportunity to host Swift in 2022, but ultimately lost the chance to Singapore a year later.
It was reported that Swift was being considered by the government after a contract was signed with a US venue management company in 2022 to revamp Kuala Lumpur Sports City in Bukit Jalil into a centre for sports and live entertainment.
ASM Global, which is Swift's concert promoter, was said to have collaborated with Sportswork to improve operations, organise events, enhance visitor experiences, implement advanced technology and upgrade food and beverage offerings.
Yesterday, Bersatu legal and constitution bureau deputy chairman Sasha Lyna Abdul Latiff had called for the unity government to answer for Malaysia's failure to secure Swift's highly anticipated Eras Tour in the country.
She had said an explanation over the missed economic opportunity must also be provided by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
She had also claimed that communications were initiated between the Malaysian government and Taylor Swift's concert promoter as far back as 2022.
Despite this, Malaysia was unable to seal the deal, while neighbouring Singapore successfully secured the tour, she had said.