KUCHING: Extremist political leaders from the opposition and the adoption of a ‘kill-switch’ mechanism makes Malaysia less attractive for international artistes.
Referring to the recent exclusive Taylor Swift concert in Singapore, Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen said some Umno leaders had expressed regret that Swift did not come to Malaysia and seized this opportunity to criticise the government.
“Umno leaders commenting on the issue should direct their criticism and questions to their PAS allies.
“Look at what your PAS allies did to A-list celebrities like Coldplay and BlackPink; they pressured for concert cancellations at the last minute and attempted to control how celebrities dress and what they can say,” he said in his debate speech in Parliament on Wednesday (Mar 7).
(A ‘kill switch’ is a mechanism that allows authorities to shut down or disable services or systems – in the context of Chong’s speech to potentially disrupt or control international artists’ performances or communication channels which would deter artists from wanting to perform in Malaysia as they feel that their freedom of expression or communication could be restricted.)
He said the government’s strategy of using a “kill-switch” mechanism to control stage performances could deter international artists from considering Malaysia as a viable venue for their concerts.
“With all these restrictions and the potential risk of last-minute cancellations, international A-list celebrities will be reluctant to perform in Malaysia.
“If a celebrity behaves improperly on stage, let their fans judge. There’s no need for a government “kill-switch” and cut off electricity during concerts,” he said.
Chong urged the government to embrace a more inclusive and open-minded stance, resisting pressures from narrow and extremist voices within the opposition.
“There are worse and more obscene materials on the internet, accessible to Malaysia’s 33 million citizens anytime, anywhere, which the government cannot block.
“Anything a celebrity does on stage can only be seen by those in the stadium. Its influence on Malaysians is much less compared to the internet’s influence. Therefore, what’s the point of going through the trouble of implementing a ‘kill-switch’?” he said.
Furthermore, he said Malaysia should also be able to enjoy economic benefits from concerts by international celebrities, pointing out that Singapore is estimated to have gained at least USD 370 million from fans worldwide flooding the country to attend the concert, according to economists at Maybank.
“Therefore, my advice to Umno leaders who wants to attract more international A-list celebrities to perform in Malaysia, is to first address their PAS allies’ narrow perspectives.
“Otherwise, our country will continue to lose out to Singapore as a destination for these artistes,” he said.
