PAS Rep Claims That Artistes Snubbing Malaysia For Concerts Is "A Success For Muslims"

Last week, the Canadian diva announced that she will be embarking on a seven-city tour of Asia this year, which will see her performing in Tokyo, Macau, Singapore, Jakarta, Taipei, Manila, and Bangkok. Malaysia, which she last visited in 2008 for her 'Taking Chances World Tour', was noticeably missing from the line-up. 

In addition to Celine Dion, several international artists - namely Katy Perry, Fall Out Boy, The Script, and Harry Styles - have also confirmed dates for the Asian leg of their concert tours sans Malaysia (at least, for the time being).

Quoting a local artiste manager, The Malaysian Insight reported that event organisers and concert promoters in Malaysia are finding it increasingly difficult to secure monetary backing and, in turn, make profits. Unlike Thailand and Indonesia, companies selling alcohol and cigarettes are not too keen on providing sponsorship, citing the country's increasingly conservative stance towards Islam.

In addition, religious policing and bureaucratic red tape i.e. Malaysia's stringent regulations for international performers were also cited as key reasons. 

Cleric Riduan Mohamad Nor, who is also a PAS central committee member, wrote in Harakah Daily, "If religious conservatism is used as an excuse to explain the lack of sponsorship that is stopping famous artistes from holding concerts in Malaysia, then that is a success for Muslims in this country."

"This means that sponsors have realised that Malaysia is not as free-thinking or open-minded as other countries. Malaysia has a big reputation as an Islamic country. Some may consider this a negative development, but for the majority of Muslims in the country, it's a positive development," he added.

"Malaysians are very worried about the generation of young people who have wild morals and behaviour, likes to be entertained, dress up indecently, and who look up to wild and immoral Western artistes as their icons," he wrote.

"There have been many protests against concert organisers, leading to sponsors and organisers feeling reluctant to plan concerts here. They have been discouraged due to protests and society's hatred towards this type of despicable entertainment," he added. 

Wrapping up his op-ed, Riduan urged Muslims to continue to be sensitive and care for the country, adding that "we might be despised by some, but it can save the people and the country."