Malaysia says no change in approval for Ed Sheeran concert amid calls to cancel over singer’s LGBTQ stance
- Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said thorough vetting was done by all the agencies involved in granting permission for the event
- Penang state’s top Muslim cleric called on the government to scrap concerts featuring artists who support ‘sinful’ activities
Fahmi said the Islamic Development Malaysia Department (Jakim) and the Home Ministry are involved in discussions to grant approvals for concert permits by foreign acts.
“I have spoken about this to the Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (Puspal) and I take note of the suggestion by the Penang mufti on this.
“However, Jakim and the Home Ministry are among the 16 agencies involved in the discussions to approve applications for gigs by foreign artists, through the Puspal committee. Therefore, thorough vetting would have been done by all these agencies,” he said at a press conference on Wednesday.
“We take note of the views but we have a process. We will look into the matter if there is a need. At this time, there are no changes in the approval for the concert.”
LGBTQ Malaysians slam UK band’s onstage kiss as ‘performance activism’
“As mufti, it is my responsibility to urge the Malaysian government, through the relevant ministries (Communication Ministry and Digital Ministry) to revoke the permit for the concert immediately,” he was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian on Wednesday.
Wan Salim said Malaysia, as a nation with a predominantly Muslim population, should not allow concerts featuring artists who support “sinful” activities.
He also urged all Muslims in the country to boycott the concert.
The British singer is slated to perform at Kuala Lumpur’s Bukit Jalil National Stadium on February 24 as part of his “+-=÷x Asia Tour”, which will also feature guest singer-songwriter Calum Scott.
Sheeran previously held a concert in Malaysia in 2019 for his “Divide” world tour.
