KUALA LUMPUR: Swift action by the government and organisers of the Good Vibes Festival 2023 in cancelling British band The 1975’s performance following its vocalist’s disrespectful actions during their concert in Sepang should be praised, say experts.
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Centre of Media and Information Warfare Studies fellow Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin said the Communications and Digital Ministry’s immediate cancellation clearly showed the government was serious in its philosophy of nurturing civility and civilisation development as outlined in the Malaysia Madani aspiration.
"The organisers themselves were very sensitive towards anything against the country’s values and laws, which place Islam as the country’s official religion as enshrined in the Federal Constitution,” he said in a statement today (July 22).
He added that Malaysians also deserved praise for supporting the actions of the government and organisers through diplomatic objections.
"The audience at the concert and fellow Malaysians did well for openly admonishing The 1975’s insensitive actions that went against our country’s values and sense of decency,” he added.
Early Childhood Care and Education Council Malaysia president Datin Prof Dr Mariani Md Nor expressed her disappointment at the actions of several audience members who supported The 1975’s antics, which she said would seemingly normalise such disrespectful actions.
"The cheering and applause made it seem that such things were ‘permitted’ during such a concert. They seemed to have forgotten their own culture and customs, something that should be instilled in every Malaysian, and this is worrisome as it could affect their mindset,” she said when contacted by Bernama.
She said the band’s actions could lead to a decline in the image and morals of youths in the country as most often made artistes their role models, and advocated that the government prepare some guidelines or legal provisions to ensure such situations do not recur.
"Stakeholders must play their part in drafting guidelines, policies or laws to curb such situations before it becomes a virus that plagues the country. The government must also impose stern action if such a situation happens again,” she said.
Earlier, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that the Good Vibes Festival 2023 would be cancelled immediately after The 1975 vocalist Matt Healy paraded a bottle of liquor and criticised Malaysia’s laws regarding lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT) onstage during their concert at the festival yesterday (July 21).
He said in a Facebook post that the unity government’s stand was clear and uncompromising towards any party that challenged, belittled and violated Malaysia’s laws.
The ministry has also lodged a police report against the band and the organisers for their negligence and failure to comply with relevant regulations. - Bernama
