MALAYSIA – The Communication and Digital Minister, Fahmi Fadzil has instructed for the cancellation of the remaining two days of Good Vibes 2023 festival (GVF), that is today 22nd July and 23rd July. This came after the act of insult and disregard of the country’s law showed by the artist from UK The 1975 at Sepang last night.
The organizer of the GVF 2023, Future Sound Asia has also been called in today.
“I’d like to stress, that the Unity Government’s stand is clear. There is no compromise on anyone who challenge, disgrace or did not comply to Malaysian law.
Thus, I have instructed for immediate cancellation on the remaining festivals which should be held today till tomorrow, 23rd of July.
I understand that this decision will affect the ticket buyers. The organisers had been instructed to identify a compensation mechanism for them,” said Fahmi.
He further added that the Government is always committed to support the development of the creative industries and the freedom of speech.
“However, please do not touch the sensitivity of the community, especially those against the local culture,” said Fahmi.
According to the report from news portal Sinar Daily, the member of the UK band The 1975, Matt Healy and Ross MacDonald had kissed on stage during their performance at the Good Vibes Festival 2023.
Just before the “said protest”, Healy aired his frustration on the government’s stand towards the LGBT community.
According to the concert goers, Healy told the public that the Malaysian government is “retarded” because of the regulations it imposed regarding sexual relationship.
The political party PEJUANG has also condemned the indecent act by the group and questioning the credibility of the Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (Puspal) which is under the purview of the Digital Communication Ministry for approving the show permit for The 1975 after the same incidents happened in Dubai in 2019.
Its Chief Publicity Rafique Rashid said, “PEJUANG urged for a non-compromise and immediate action to be taken against The 1975 and towards Matt Healy himself for the disrespectful remarks made in questioning the Government and the authorities on the LGBTQIA+ issues.
“The profanities were made in the open and his intoxicated act on the stage proves that the group has no respect to Malaysian law.
The Home Ministry who has the power on the issuance of Visitation Permit (Professional) to performers coming to the country has been urged to blacklist The 1975 and Matt Healy from Malaysia,” he said.
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