KUALA LUMPUR: "If you don't like Coldplay, don't buy the tickets," said Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming.
Nga said this in response to calls by Pas, who urged the government to cancel the British rock band concert, scheduled to be held on Nov 22 at Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
The minister said other than Coldplay, all international artists were welcome to perform in Malaysia, including Adele and Taylor Swift.
"We know that it is not just about the performances, but (their presence) here can help to spur the country's economic growth.
"The impact is big (to the country)," he told reporters at a Hari Raya event here today.
Nga said Coldplay's concert in Malaysia aligned with the government's aspirations to make Kuala Lumpur a metropolitan city with entertainment and performances.
He said the band had also sponsored a watercraft to remove plastic trash from Malaysian rivers, which aligned with the ministry's philosophy to ensure clean rivers.
"There is a reason why Pas' old-fashioned way of thinking is unsuitable for our multicultural society. We must respect each other.
"If they (Pas) don't like Coldplay, don't buy the tickets and just close their eyes. (But) do not stop Coldplay fans from going to the concert. I also like their songs."
Nga also wished to treat the band to Malaysian delicacies such as nasi lemak, nasi kerabu, roti canai and yong tau foo to promote the country to tourists.
"The year 2025 is the Visit Malaysia Year. We should start promoting the country from now on."
In a Facebook post yesterday, Pas central working committee member Nasrudin Hassan queried whether the government's decision to allow the British rock band to perform in the country was a form of hedonism and promotion of deviant culture in the country.
He also attached photos of Coldplay, with its lead singer holding a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) flag, and urged the government to cancel the concert.