Published: Monday September 21, 2009 MYT 10:12:00 AM
Updated: Monday September 21, 2009 MYT 12:59:04 PM
Beyonce to perform despite dress code, protests
KUALA LUMPUR: Beyonce Knowles says she will perform in Malaysia in October, two years after cancelling a show in this Muslim-majority country after protesters threatened to disrupt the concert because of her sexy image and clothing.
The R&B superstar’s upcoming show is already drawing the ire of conservatives in this country, where female performers are required to cover up from the shoulders to knees with no cleavage showing.
Knowles said on her website that she will take the stage at a stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 25.
“Beyonce for the first time ever has decided to make Malaysia part of her ‘I am.’ World Tour,” her website said.
Beyonce performing at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sept 13, 2009 in New York. (AP Photo) Knowles cancelled a planned concert two years ago following protest threats by Malaysia’s opposition Islamic party PAS. At the time her talent agency said the show was called off due to a scheduling conflict.
Instead she went to Indonesia, which has less stringent rules about how performers should dress and behave.
Sabki Yusof, PAS Youth vice-head, said Sunday that they would send a protest note to the Government over the concert. He said it was the Government’s “responsibility to protect the people of Malaysia” from what he described as immoral Western influences.
“We are not against entertainment as long as it is within the framework of our culture and our religion,” Sabki said. “We are against Western sexy performances. We don’t think our people need that.”
He said besides the protest note, the party had no plans so far to disrupt the concert.
Organisers for Beyonce’s October show could not immediately be reached for comment.
Artistes such as Avril Lavigne and Gwen Stefani have performed in Malaysia under similar protest threats by conservative Muslims, forcing the artistes to don attire that revealed little skin.
In the most recent controversy, the Government late last month at first barred, then reversed the order forbidding Muslims from attending a Black Eyed Peas concert because it was sponsored by a beer company. -- AP
Related Stories:
Beyoncé to finally perform here next month
Rock with Beyonce Knowles, Black Eyed Peas and Jackie Cheung
News Poll
- Court ruling takes bite out of local council summonses
- Chin Peng apologises for death of innocents
- Girl and stepmum held over bid to kill first wife
- Biggest karaoke session a blast
- New evidence on MCA snoop squad case arrives at doorstep
- Victim’s dad nabs kidnapper
- Teoh’s body exhumed for second autopsy today
- Teoh's second autopsy started at noon
- Foreigner falls to her death from condominium
- Malaysians must get regular dental checks
- Court ruling takes bite out of local council summonses
- Chin Peng apologises for death of innocents
- Malaysians must get regular dental checks
- No licence to try offenders
- Big impact in ‘small’ man’s win
- New evidence on MCA snoop squad case arrives at doorstep
- Weapons drawn for new battle
- Johor set to be a medical hub
- Joy for 2,500 housebuyers as SPNB takes over project
- More Indonesian maids by year end?
RSS
