Minister chides MLTR concert organiser

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Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom today chided the organiser of this Saturday's concert by Micheal Learns to Rock for not taking into consideration the sensitivity of Muslims in the country.

NONE The action by the organiser to go ahead with the concert at the Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands, Pahang, showed their disrespect for the fasting month, he said in a statement here today.

Jamil Khir, who is in charge of religous affairs, said his statement should be taken in the spirit of IMalaysia for the sake of unity and harmony.

The Danish group, which is currently on their ‘Eternity Tour 2009', is due to perform on Saturday.

Protest looms

Meanwhile, PAS has threatened to hold a protest against the concert.

PAS said that the cabinet's decision to allow the band to perform violates the sacredness of the holy month.

"Foreign bands, not aware of the local culture, would challenge the sensitivities of the Muslims,” said PAS Youth chief Nasrudin Hassan Tantawi

"A concert of this nature would corrupt and weaken the morals of the people, causing them to be undiscerning in their conduct," said Nasrudin.

PAS held protests against Canadian rocker Avril Lavigne's concert last year after failing to have it banned, saying her performance would weaken the younger generation "morally and mentally."

A performance by Gwen Stefani was also targeted, and although the event went ahead she was forced to cover up after complaints about her skimpy outfits.

Another event is stirring up controversy with organisers of US hip-hop band Black Eyed Peas concert reversing an earlier stand which saw Muslims banned from the Sept 25 performance.

The concert in Sunway Lagoon, sponsored by Guinness, is part of the brewery’s 250th birthday celebrations.

In an about-face, concert organisers Artists World Entertainment said yesterday that anyone was free to attend the event which "is open to all individuals aged 18 and above."

- Bernama



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