By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Aug 30: Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says the State has no objections to public concerts as long as the performers follow the rules.
“We are tolerant of one another, and we are very happy to see all these festivals and concerts returning after a two-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“But we also know that no matter what we organise, there are limits to where we can perform and how the performers will be dressed,” Abdul Karim told reporters today before officiating at the ceremony to kick off Kuching Jazz 2022 (KJ2022) at a local hotel here.
He revealed that many of his friends from Peninsular Malaysia have asked him if they could relocate to Sarawak to attend the concerts held in the State.
“They are so happy because we have concerts, but in Peninsular Malaysia, they want to organise the concerts, while others want to go to the street to object to the organising of the concerts,” he added.
On Aug 25, Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (Pas) Youth warned of nationwide protests if scheduled concerts with international artists were not cancelled.
Pas Youth chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari urged the government to cancel such events because they promote hedonism and are incompatible with the norms and values of Muslim life in Malaysia.
In a Facebook post, Ahmad Fadhli stated that if this was ignored, Pas Youth would not hesitate to mobilise resistance across the country.
His Facebook post followed the previous night’s concert by American singer-songwriter Billie Eilish in Kuala Lumpur.
Abdul Karim, who is also the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president, said: “The objection is the kind of problem that we have with our neighbours in the peninsula.
“However, we are more tolerant in many ways down here in Sarawak. We’re glad we’re not overly excited or sensitive about certain things.”
Meanwhile, he noted that Sarawak is hosting a number of festivals, concerts, and sporting events this year.
“I think those operating the hotels can justify (sic) that. Occupancy has been very good, and I have been getting good feedback from the hoteliers, and that is good for the downstream economy.
“And it is not just hotels, but also the operators of public transport and souvenir shops, and restaurants,” he said. — DayakDaily
