Malaysia’s conservatives urge boycott of Coldplay concert amid event organiser’s pride flag ban

Malaysia has seen a surge of conservatism after Malay-nationalist PAS made significant gains among the country’s Malay-Muslim majority

Authorities are on alert for un-Islamic acts at concerts after a UK pop star kissed his male bandmate on stage and slammed Malaysia’s anti-LGBTQ laws

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The rainbow flag at #WomensMarchMY in conjunction with International Women’s Day 2019. Coldplay concert organiser Live Nation Malaysia specified that banners carrying political and pride content are not allowed to be brought into the concert venue in Kuala Lumpur on November 22. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 7:00pm, 17 Nov 2023

Local organisers of Coldplay’s Malaysia concert banned all political and LGBTQ pride imagery when the British pop superstars perform next week, as Islamists called for it to be cancelled outright out of respect for Palestinian victims of the Israel-Gaza war.

Malaysia has seen a surge in conservative posturing after a deeply divided general election last November, when the Malay-nationalist opposition secured a significant minority bloc in parliament powered by votes from the country’s Malay-Muslim majority.

Coldplay’s Chris Martin performs at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, in September. Photo: AFP

In a concert guide posted on Instagram on Wednesday, event organiser Live Nation Malaysia specified that banners carrying political and pride content are not allowed to be brought into the concert venue in Kuala Lumpur on November 22.

“In creating a memorable atmosphere for all concertgoers, please be mindful of the local culture and sensitivities in Malaysia and avoid displaying props or items that may cause discomfort to others,” the post read.

The post was directed at fans, without referring to the band or lead singer Chris Martin, who has frequently held rainbow flags and worn T-shirts supporting LGBTQ rights during concerts.

The gig follows a tour stop in Jakarta on Thursday, which provoked a similar backlash from a group of conservative Muslim protesters.

Indonesian policemen try to disperse conservative Muslim activists protesting against LGBTQ support near a stadium where Coldplay performed in Jakarta. Photo: EPA-EFE

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