2-2-2024 (SINGAPORE) British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has found himself at the centre of controversy in Malaysia, with calls emerging to prohibit performances by artists who advocate for the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.
The ulama (cleric) faction of Malaysia’s Islamist party, Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS), along with the Penang mufti, have urged the government to cancel Sheeran’s upcoming concert scheduled for Feb 24 at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.
This move mirrors PAS’ previous actions, notably in November last year when it lobbied against a concert by British band Coldplay. Although the chances of Sheeran’s concert being cancelled are slim, analysts suggest that PAS is leveraging this issue to energise its conservative voter base.
PAS ulama chief Ahmad Yahaya emphasised the proximity of the concert to Ramadan, urging the government to cancel it, citing Sheeran’s purported support for the LGBT ideology, which contradicts Malaysia’s stance on the matter.
PAS has consistently opposed the presence of pro-LGBT Western artists in Malaysia, advocating for stricter control over foreign performances. According to Dr Azmil Mohd Tayeb of Universiti Sains Malaysia, this controversy serves as a tool for the opposition to deepen existing polarisation within the country.
Dr Syaza Shukri, from the International Islamic University Malaysia, highlights that PAS’ opposition resonates more with conservative voters outside Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. She asserts that local artists, unaffected by these restrictions, are favoured by conservative audiences.
The push to cancel Sheeran’s concert, initiated by Penang mufti Wan Salim Mohd Noor, has sparked debate. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil assured that concert applications undergo thorough review by relevant authorities. However, Ahmad argues for stricter conditions to prevent the promotion of LGBT elements.
Homosexuality remains illegal in Malaysia, prompting controversies like the one ignited by The 1975’s vocalist last July. The incident led to calls for a “kill switch” at concerts to halt performances deemed inappropriate.
Despite the slim chance of Sheeran’s concert being cancelled, Dr Azmil believes that the manufactured controversy could deter future foreign artists from performing in Malaysia, opting for more receptive environments in the region.
