17-11-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) As Coldplay gears up for their highly anticipated performance in Kuala Lumpur on November 22, local organizers have imposed strict restrictions on political and LGBTQ pride imagery at the concert venue. The move comes in response to mounting pressure from conservative groups, including Islamists calling for the cancellation of the event as a mark of respect for Palestinian victims of the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The conservative push gained momentum following Malaysia’s divisive general election last November, which saw the Malay-nationalist opposition securing a significant minority bloc in parliament, supported by votes from the country’s Malay-Muslim majority.
Live Nation Malaysia, the event organizer, issued a concert guide on Wednesday via Instagram, explicitly prohibiting banners featuring political and pride content from being brought into the venue. The guide urged concertgoers to be mindful of local culture and sensitivities, emphasizing the importance of creating a memorable atmosphere without causing discomfort to others.
Notably, the post was directed at fans without explicitly mentioning the band or its lead singer, Chris Martin, who has previously displayed support for LGBTQ rights during performances.
This announcement follows Coldplay’s recent tour stop in Jakarta, which faced a similar backlash from conservative Muslim protesters. Malaysian authorities, on high alert for actions deemed un-Islamic during concerts, have intensified scrutiny following an incident at the Good Vibes Festival. The festival was abruptly shut down after the lead singer of pop rock band The 1975 kissed his male bandmate on stage, coupled with criticism of Malaysia’s anti-LGBTQ laws.
Homosexuality is considered a crime in Muslim-majority Malaysia, with severe penalties including jail time, fines, and whipping upon conviction. There are reports of authorities considering a ‘kill switch’ at live concerts to enforce compliance.
Leaders of the Pan-Malaysian Islamist Party (PAS), holding the largest share of seats in Malaysia’s parliament, have joined the conservative chorus, urging the government to cancel the Coldplay concert as a gesture of solidarity with Muslims in Palestine.
The ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict has heightened tensions, with health authorities in Gaza reporting over 11,500 casualties from Israeli military actions in retaliation for a Hamas attack on October 7 that claimed 1,200 Israeli lives.
PAS leaders in the state of Kelantan, the party’s traditional stronghold, argue that large-scale foreign artist concerts are linked to deviant culture, and it is not appropriate for the government to grant approval. PAS Kelantan information chief Mohd Asri Mat Daud emphasized the need for all parties, especially the government, to reject the concert in support of Palestine.
Malaysia has a history of shutting down events deemed contrary to public morality codes. Last year, Kuala Lumpur city hall revoked a comedy club’s operating license after an incident during an open-mic session, and the country gained notoriety for censoring Lady Gaga’s song “Born This Way” in 2011 due to its references to homosexuality.
