Siti Nurhaliza caught in the crossfire following David Foster concert in ID

Some netizens have expressed disappointment in Malaysian singer Siti Nurhaliza following her performance at Canadian composer David Foster's concert in Jakarta. 

According to media intelligence firm CARMA, conversations on social media about Siti before the concert were 46.7% positive and 22% negative.

However, conversations after the concert dipped to 19.1% positive and 33.9% negative.

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Before the concert, conversations about the singer included words such as 'Palestinian', 'tribute' and 'abundant'. 

However, post-concert, the word cloud included words such as 'hypocrite', 'zionists' and 'Israel'. 

Siti performed live in Indonesia on 15 June at Foster's concert titled 'Hitman Returns: David Foster & Friends'. Other artists such as Katharine McPhee, Brian McKnight, Rossa and Afgan were also present. Josh Groban also shared the stage as a special guest. 

Leading up to the concert, Siti posted on Instagram thanking Foster for inviting her on stage. "I'm so honoured to share the stage with such a musical legend," said Siti.

Netizens took to the comments section to share their thoughts. One user pointed out that Foster is an Israel supporter and contradicts Siti's support for Palestine, while another asked her not to do anything that destroys her success and business. 

Another user commented how Malaysians will be disappointed with her if she goes through with the concert. The same user questioned if the musician really cares for Palestine. 

On the day of the concert, BDS Malaysia released a statement expressing their disappointment in the musician too.

The statement said that Foster is a "strong supporter of the Israeli Zionist regime" and is often involved in efforts to contribute funds to the army of the Zionist regime of Israel in events organised by 'Friends of Israel Defense Forces'.

"Dato Sri Nurhaliza's decision to participate in the show organised by David Foster is very disappointing," said BDS Malaysia.

"BDS Malaysia hopes that all parties, whether artists, business, people, athletes, the government and ordinary people, show a more sensitive attitude towards the misery that has been experienced by the Palestinian people since 1948," it added.

Earlier in May, numerous Malaysian stars were put on a block list for their silence amidst the ongoing attacks on Gaza. The Malaysian block list includes stars such as actresses Michelle Yeoh and Neelofa as well as comedian Sheila Rusly, influencer Ruhainies and actress and singer Janna Nick.

The list was posted on Facebook by user Liena Bunkerz as has since been reshared on other platforms.

Since the post, netizens have come out with varying responses. Some have agreed that these celebrities should be boycotted while others have critisised the movement as being extreme.

Singer Naim Daniel reportedly said in a now deleted post on X that Malaysians should not be condemning these celebrities as religious etiquette calls for them not to be excessive, according to The Straits Times. The post was reportedly criticised and Daniel filed a police report against someone who threatened to "slaughter" the singer's parents if he met them.

Photo courtesy of Siti Nurhaliza, Facebook

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