This Content Is Only For Subscribers
By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, July 23: Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has branded The 1975 frontman Matty Healy’s behaviour at the recent Good Vibes Festival in Kuala Lumpur as “unethical” and “disrespectful to the country”.
Abdul Karim, who is Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak, said by voicing his personal opinion openly and criticising the government in front of a big crowd, the singer went against the country’s laws.
“To me, they should not come here anymore. We have the rule of law, and anyone who wishes to perform in Malaysia must abide by the law.
“We have our own culture here; you don’t show your personal opinion on stage. He is very arrogant,” he told reporters when met at La Promenade Mall in Kota Samarahan today.
He added that the frontman of the British indie-rock band should have been arrested and charged by Malaysian authorities regardless of his status.
“They should not do this, which is against our law and try to provoke us that way. (When) They come here, (they) must respect our law,” he opined.
On July 22, following Healy’s same-sex kiss with a bandmember and tirade against Malaysia’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws during the Good Vibes Festival, the Communications and Digital Ministry stated the central committee for the application for filming and performance by foreign artistes (Puspal) said that The 1975 has been blacklisted from performing in Malaysia. — DayakDaily
