A PAS leader has clarified that the Islamist party is not against concerts but rather, on performers’ personal conduct and social stance.
PAS vice-president Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar noted that despite the fact that concerts can drive economic development, some conditions must be met, and if the performers promote an LGBTQ+ lifestyle, are pro-Israel or pro-Zionist, it would contradict the party’s stance, reported Malaysiakini.
“I think when we want to have a festival or event, there are conditions, right? Those are the conditions, that if someone comes for a concert, but they fight for, for example, LGBTQ+ rights or sensitive things, or are pro-Zionist, that’s why we say no,” he was quoted as saying during a dialogue between PAS leaders and Chinese media practitioners in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday (Feb 18).
“The individual who performs needs to understand that. Other than that, I don’t think there is a problem with contributing to economic development.”
Recall that PAS had previously voiced its objections to concerts by artistes such as Ed Sheeran and Coldplay.
It also has a history of social conservatism and objecting to performances on grounds of attire and socio-political views of the performers.
When quizzed if it is better to bar Muslims from attending such concerts while permitting non-Muslims to attend, Samsuri, who is also the Terengganu menteri besar, reckoned that it was possible to have such a rule, but there should be more respect between the communities in order to avoid disharmony.
“We can have rules like that, it’s not impossible but we have to look practically. The timing must be correct. The place to do it should not be anywhere that can cause sensitivity,” he stressed.
“You need to look at it from the point of view of Muslims and the Malays who are the majority in certain areas. So, if they feel their sensitivities are affected, this will cause a disharmonious atmosphere. The main thing is to try to understand other people.” – Feb 19, 2024
Main pic credit: Sinar Harian
