KUALA LUMPUR – Live event organisers will not hesitate to take legal action against anyone who makes baseless claims about concerts for political gain.
The Association of Live Event Organisers (Alife) said it would do this in its bid to overcome attempts to hinder Malaysia from becoming more competitive in the global live entertainment industry.
“Calls for cancellation of acclaimed acts like Blackpink, Billie Eilish, Coldplay, and Ed Sheeran highlight this issue.
“Alife denounces this targeting, pointing out the irony that far more controversial and explicit content is easily accessible through digital platforms beyond political control.
“We cannot allow certain groups to derail Malaysia’s effort to be more competitive in the region, especially if it’s just to boost their own individual or political standing,” its president Rizal Kamal said in a statement.
Rizal did not name any political party or personality but noted that “political and religious groups” had frequently called for concerts to be cancelled if the artists were deemed to be associated with “sinful” activities or were supportive of “certain communities”.
“Live events are pivotal in boosting Malaysia’s international reputation and driving economic growth. However, bureaucratic inefficiencies and political pressures threaten to hinder our industry’s potential.
“We have the opportunity to bring much needed external income into the country through music tourism. Our infrastructure, cost structure and value of the ringgit make Malaysia an attractive destination for concerts and shows,” he said.
He also noted that the freedom to hold live events without unnecessary hindrance would “protect Malaysia’s reputation in the international landscape”.
A-list performances here in recent times have been denounced by the political party PAS, which has called for the artists involved to be banned for reasons such as support of liberal values or the LGBTQ movement or for skimpy dressing. – March 15, 2024