PM Anwar dismisses calls to cancel Coldplay concert, will discuss matter with Mufti

During a parliament session yesterday, Malaysian prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim dismissed calls to ban or cancel the upcoming Coldplay concert in Kuala Lumpur, stressing that the British band is Pro-Palestinian.

"Coldplay stands out as one of the many rock bands that actively advocates for Palestine,” said Anwar. “We had previously approved the Coldplay concert due to their stance on Palestine.”

"However, I will be meeting with the Mufti to address this situation, as there are advocates from the Palestinian movement who have expressed their support and provided insights to my foreign minister and office,” he said. “They have raised concerns about why a group that actively supports the Palestinian struggle is being prevented from performing.”

Don’t miss: PUM requests cancelling Coldplay concert in Malaysia 

Anwar’s statements come after the Malaysian Muslim Solidarity (MUIS) and The Muslim Scholars Association of Malaysia (PUM) called for the cancellation of the event. MUIS claimed that it would be insensitive to hold such an event amidst the ongoing crisis in Palestine, while PUM believes that Coldplay’s stance on the LGBT rights movement is incompatible with the country’s core values and culture.

“The organisation of this hedonistic program clearly neglects Muslims and Malaysians because it is far from local norms and morals,” said PUM in a statement. “The organisation of the Coldplay concert is seen to have crossed the borderline of Islam and is thus contrary to Islamic law.”

Earlier this year, The 1975 was ushered off-stage at Good Vibes Festival after lead singer Matty Healy shared a kiss with bandmate Ross Macdonald. Prior to the kiss, Healy went on a rant against Malaysia’s anti-LGBT laws.

The entire festival was later cancelled by Malaysia’s communications and digital minister, Fahmi Fadzil. The decision to cancel the festival led to a reverberating impact on multiple stakeholders including vendors and performers who had flown down to Malaysia to perform.

Related articles:
How The 1975's antics have 'threatened the stability' of Malaysia's live entertainment scene
Class action lawsuit to be filed against British band The 1975 following cancellation
MY's single Coldplay show a 'missed economic lottery' compared to SG's six, says Syed Saddiq