Show must go on: dangdut concert to be rescheduled, says Chow

GEORGE TOWN – The state government’s decision to scrap a dangdut-themed concert recently was due to public concerns and not political pressure from the opposition, Penang’s chief minister said today. 

Chow Kon Yeow acknowledged Penangites’ unease that the scheduled TikTok bash had been timed close to a religious celebration.

The organiser will thus shift the event to a new location, Chow said at a press conference after the launch of the state-level national science week at Han Chiang Private High School.

He said that the date will be set by the organiser and the licensing body, Seberang Prai City Council.

Penang welcomes anyone who wishes to hold concerts, as long as they remain in accordance with the guidelines of the local authorities, he said.

Chow stressed that inclusivity and forward-looking policies will continue to underpin Pakatan Harapan rule.

The TikTok concert was to gather Indonesian and Malaysian dangdut artistes to render the genre’s hits trending on the social media giant’s app.

It was also part of TikTok’s plans to reward followers of the site, which offers short-burst videos often accompanied by commercial music.

Penang authorities had previously decided to cancel the dangdut-themed concert at Dewan Millenium here next month after criticism from PAS and Umno. 

It was scheduled close to Maulidur Rasul (Prophet Muhammad’s birthday).

In a statement on social media, newly minted Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Mohamad Abdul Hamid said that the state had asked MBSP to withdraw approval for the concert.

He noted that the organiser has sought to relocate the venue from Dewan Millenium in Kepala Batas to a bigger venue at Batu Kawan Stadium.

However, former PKR leaders such as Jason Ong were critical of the move.

He pointed out that the concert was already approved before the public complaints came in.

“If the concert organiser had agreed to respect the local residents’ sensitivities, then I do not see why it needs to be scrapped.

“The question is whether we are going forward or backwards as a state and nation,” he said. – The Vibes, August 25, 2023