PUTRAJAYA: There is no change in the approval status for the upcoming Ed Sheeran concert in Kuala Lumpur for now, says Fahmi Fadzil.
The Communications Minister said the Islamic Development Malaysia Department (Jakim) and the Home Ministry are involved in discussions to grant approvals for concert permits by foreign acts.
"I have spoken about this to the Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (Puspal) and I take note of the suggestion by the Penang mufti on this. However, Jakim and the Home Ministry are among the 16 agencies involved in the discussions to approve applications for gigs by foreign artists, through the Puspal committee. Therefore, thorough vetting would have been done by all these agencies," he said at a press conference on Wednesday (Jan 31).
ALSO READ: Penang Mufti urges government to cancel Ed Sheeran concert
"We take note of the views but we have a process. We will look into the matter if there is a need.
"At this time, there are no changes in the approval for the concert," he said.
Fahmi was responding to Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Wan Salim Mohd Noor's call for the government to cancel the permit for the concert by Sheeran, who is a known supporter of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.
ALSO READ: British singer Ed Sheeran to perform at Bukit Jalil National Stadium on Feb 24
The British singer is slated to perform at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur on Feb 24 as part of his "+-=÷x Asia Tour", which will also feature guest singer-songwriter Calum Scott.
Sheeran previously held a concert in Malaysia in 2019 for his "Divide" world tour.
On another matter, he said the government had discussed organising events related to the GCC-Asean summit across the nation, when Malaysia hosts the summit in 2025.
He said the government also intends to ensure the involvement of local artisans in the summit by using Malaysian craft products as souvenirs.
