Call off concerts or we’ll take to the streets: PAS Youth chief

KUALA LUMPUR – PAS remains adamant over cancelling scheduled concerts by international artistes, otherwise the Islamist party is threatening to hold protests nationwide.

Party youth chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said these concerts are going against the norms and values of Muslims in Malaysia and that hedonism should not be allowed to spread.

He also urged supporters to ensure that this “protest” is heard by Seri Perdana – referring to the prime minister’s official residence in Putrajaya.

“PAS Youth is hoping that the government and relevant ministers consider cancelling and rescinding the approvals given to such concerts.

“It is not the right time and goes against Islam,” he said in a statement on Facebook today.

This is not the first time Pasir Mas MP Fadhli is against concerts by international artistes.

He had said the continuous hosting of concerts was “crazy work” that invites “God’s wrath”.

He also urged for such concerts to be stopped and warned against “challenging the emotions of Muslims”, while calling for a united front to oppose them, only to be criticised by DAP Youth chief Dr Kelvin Yii.

Yii then challenged PAS to “keluar dari tempurung” and address real issues affecting Malaysians rather than trying to infringe the rights of others that are protected under the federal constitution. 

Fadhli’s call was supported by fellow PAS member and religious affairs minister Datuk Idris Ahmad, who was disappointed that a concert was held on a Thursday night, as it was a “malam Jumaat” or a time to do good for Muslims.

“Enough of this distracting entertainment. Repent and reflect on the disaster of the Covid-19 pandemic. Let us all return to God,” he said briefly in a Facebook post.

Idris, who is also religious affairs minister, did not specify Billie Eilish’s concert but urged “all parties” to unite on this.

Eilish’s concert saw more than 25,000 fans, mostly dressed in neon swags. Some 10 concerts by international stars are expected to be held in Malaysia by year end. – The Vibes, August 25, 2022