KUALA LUMPUR – Taylor Swift would not have performed here even if Singapore did not get exclusive regional rights to her concerts because of parties like PAS, which are more obsessed with dress codes, according to DAP lawmaker Chong Chieng Jen.
Chong (Stampin-PH) said it was ironic that Bersatu lawmakers are concerned that Malaysia lost out on Swift’s world tour given that PAS, its partner in Perikatan Nasional, has always been vocally against concerts by western artistes.
Malaysia would not be a desirable venue for A-list celebrities like Swift because of PAS’ “obsession” with the way they dress, Chong said when debating the royal address in the Dewan Rakyat today.
“In the case of Taylor Swift, if Singapore did not obtain exclusive rights to have a performance there, I doubt that her management would consider Malaysia as the next concert venue.
“If she (Swift) held a performance in Bukit Jalil, her style of dressing would certainly be another obsession of PAS leaders and would be used as fodder for criticisms and insults.
“So my advice to Bersatu leaders who want more international A-list celebrities to hold performances in Malaysia, you must start with controlling the obsessions of your friends in PAS and their dirty minds.
“If not, we will continue to lose out to Singapore as an attraction (destination) for such artists,” said Chong.
He also cited Maybank economists who said “Swiftonomics” could boost Singapore’s economy by US$370 million (RM1.7 billion) thanks to fans from around the world who would gather there for the six days of concerts.
“Singapore’s strategy to monopolise the concert made the other Southeast Asian countries to feel jealous and criticise over this matter.
“Meanwhile, in our country, some political leaders are annoyed that Taylor Swift didn’t come here and make use of it to criticise the government,” he said.
Earlier today, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim said the ministry should not be blamed for Malaysia’s failure to secure Swift’s The Eras Tour, as organising concerts does not fall under its jurisdiction.
He said the ministry is only responsible for providing the venue and facilitating matters involving logistics.
Yesterday, Bersatu’s legal and constitution bureau deputy chairman Sasha Lyna Abdul Latiff urged the unity government to explain why Malaysia failed to secure a concert in Swift’s highly anticipated world tour. – March 7, 2024