KUALA LUMPUR – Politicians must stop preventing Malaysia from hosting high-profile concerts by international artists as this affects livelihoods and business, a group of local live event organisers opposing such interference has said.
In a statement supported by 44 organisers, Arts, Live Festivals and Events Association (Alife) took aim at PAS, which has repeatedly called for concerts by international artistes to be scrapped.
Alife said PAS is rubbing salt in the wound for event organisers in the country.
“We (local event organisers) have had enough. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, we have been fighting to keep the lights on,” Alife chairman and PR Worldwide founder Para Rajagopal said in a statement.
“We’ve been given many assurances that things will get better and that we will get the necessary support, but all these promises have not been kept.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Livescape Group chief executive officer Iqbal Ameer said PAS’ stand is yet another obstacle faced by event organisers who are only attempting to construct solid business here.
“How are we expected to continue building businesses in Malaysia if we have a rogue government and individuals making statements that have not been thought through or discussed properly?” he questioned.
He also stressed that all decisions, whether major or minor, should be made based on merit and economic benefits.
Besides that, Alife president Rizal Kamal urged people to speak out against such calls by PAS, pointing out how “divisive politics” must be stopped as the wellbeing of the people, including live event organisers, is negatively impacted by such practices.
“We need the people to voice out their concerns and not allow particular groups to dictate what is deemed appropriate and normal behaviour elsewhere but is (seen as) hedonistic in Malaysia,” he said.
The statement alleged that the country’s “political circus” continues to impact good, honest and hardworking people, claiming that some event organisers have opted to establish businesses in neighbouring countries as they are “welcomed” there instead.
It pointed out that Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia have seen an increase in tourists, apparently attributed to a revival of their entertainment industry with music festivals such as Creamfields, Zoukout and We The Fest making a comeback after a three-year hiatus.
Alife’s statement is endorsed by several big names in the arts industry, including PJ Live Arts, Future Sound Asia, Livescape Asia and Wanderlust Events.
In August, PAS Youth chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari threatened to hold protests nationwide if scheduled concerts featuring international artistes are not cancelled, labelling the continuous hosting of the events as “crazy work” that invites “God’s wrath”.
Recently, American pop singer Billie Eilish performed at the Bukit Jalil stadium on August 18, after which Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Idris Ahmad reprimanded the youth for being excited about such events.
While the minister did not specify Eilish’s concert, his Facebook post, which called for “all parties” to “repent and reflect on the disaster of the Covid-19 pandemic” came just three days after the concert.
Idris, who is also PAS vice-president, has since dismissed claims that the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) is unsupportive of the arts industry and overseas talents, asserting that it has no qualms with performers such as Islamic religious singers Maher Zain and Opick, who stick by set provisions. – The Vibes, September 7, 2022
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