A MAJOR concert promoter has urged all parties to refrain from politicising entertainment shows as it could ruin the economy.
LOL Asia chief executive officer Rizal Kamal said politics, especially of the racial and religious sort, was suffocating the entertainment industry.
"We should keep politics out of entertainment, especially if the artists meet the rudiments of decency and strong morals. We should not be overly conservative in a country which was built on moderation and tolerance," said Rizal, adding that luring international artists to Malaysia is a highly competitive business.
If Malaysia fails in this, neighbours Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia will gladly step up to meet the demand for entertainment shows, he said.
"Industry stakeholders know of the multiplier effects it can generate for the economy. Now, we are staring at millions in losses from artists either pulling out or (choosing to avoid) the bad press (altogether)."
Data shared by Rizal showed the global live events market was worth US$652.6 billion (RM3.1 trillion) in 2022 and projected to reach US$1.2 trillion by 2032. It is expected to grow at an annual rate of 5.9% until the year 2032.
In Malaysia, live entertainment and concerts bring in about RM2.5 billion a year despite the restrictions placed on the promoters, he said.
Rizal said it is no wonder that Singapore was willing to invest millions in positioning itself as the preferred destination for top entertainment.
Protests in Malaysia over US mega star Taylor Swift's concerts could mean that Malaysian promoters might need to abandon their plans to import top acts.
Even though Malaysia was a leading venue for top entertainment acts back in the day, the allure of the country as a moderate and tolerant nation has been eroded by the actions of a few radicals, said Rizal.
He said he believed that not all Muslims agree that concerts should be banned. He said political parties who oppose concerts, such as PAS, are “selfish” and “bent on ruining the economy just for the sake of winning votes”.
"But if the country is suffering due to the few radicals, it is time that the silent majority, including concert promoters, speak up."
Rizal, who is the Arts, Live Festival and Events Association president, said he grew up in Johor where Muslims were taught from young to co-exist with others.
"It does not make me a lesser Muslim just because of my involvement in concerts. There should not be any peer pressure on those speaking about moderation and pluralism."
It is only the politicians who want to drive a wedge by causing animosity; the majority of us just want to earn a living, said Rizal.
Rizal said Malaysians are now more receptive to comedy shows, judging by the response to comedians Kumar and Joanne Kam Poh Poh last year.
This show that Malaysians have become more sophisticated and open to a diverse range of entertainment. – The Vibes, April 12, 2024.
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