KOTA SAMARAHAN: The federal government should ban international artistes if they display bad attitudes and behaviour in public as well as criticise and disrespect the government.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the laws in Malaysia should be respected and be adhered to by everyone including those performing in the country.
Good Vibes Festival 2023 held in West Malaysia was officially cancelled following disrespectful behaviour shown by British indie rock band The 1975 on July 21.
Lead singer of the band, Matt Healy, launched into an expletive-riddled tirade against Malaysia’s anti-LGBT laws and followed up with a deep mouth-to-mouth kiss with bassist Ross MacDonald.
The stunt was widely shared on social media by concertgoers who captured the moment on their smartphones and sparked intense debate that went international.
“They don’t have to come here anymore if they disrespect the laws, the cultures here and the government.
“If they are performing in Malaysia, they have to follow the law here, it is not that strict, to us at least.
“Anywhere you go, there are always laws we need to follow, so don’t share your personal views or sexual interest on stage,” said Abdul Karim when met by the media at the Sarawak Open Bonsai and Suiseki Championship Show 2023 at La Promenade today.
He criticised the band for inappropriate conduct on stage in front of the Malaysian crowd and for making disrespectful remarks about the government.
“That kind of behaviour is unacceptable and that man should be arrested by the authorities.
“He should not behave like this and make disrespectful remarks about our government. Irrespective whether he is famous, he should be arrested and be charged for his misconduct.
“Also, to me, he is a confused man and an idiot. I’m not going against the LGBT community but his behaviour in public is out of line and against our laws,” he said.
He urged event organisers to do a thorough and proper background check on international artistes before allowing them to perform.
“Don’t ever think about performing in Malaysia if your behaviour is like that. They should be banned from coming here,” added Abdul Karim.
