K-POP group MAMAMOO will not be performing on Malaysian shores as expected. The popular all-female group consisting of Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein and Hwasa was supposed to perform on Nov 17 at Zepp Kuala Lumpur as part of their Asia tour.
Fans looking forward to the gig, however, were left disappointed as organisers announced that the gig has been cancelled.
In a statement on the CK Star Entertainment Facebook page, the event organiser apologised to MAMAMOO fans and asked them to be understanding as this was not the desired outcome. It further stated:
“It is with deep regret that we must announce the cancellation of the aforementioned event as the concert permit application has not been approved. Despite our constant efforts, the related issues were unfortunately beyond our control.
“We understand that Moomoos have been looking forward to this event, and as the organisers, we too are disappointed with this undesired outcome.
“We express our sincere apologies for this cancellation which was not at all anticipated and are sorry about any unfulfilled expectations and inconvenience this may have caused.”
Whose idea is this?
Fans of popular music artistes must be wondering if these cancellations are the after-effects of the green wave phenomenon. Whilst not holding executive power, PAS and the conservative faction has successfully controlled the narrative by decrying concerts by foreign artistes as a corrupting influence.
Is this rejection for a permit to hold MAMAMOO’s concert yet another example of the unity government pandering to the conservative right?
MUDA supremo Syed Saddiq Syed Syed Abdul Rahman has previously lamented that these non-gigs are economic opportunities missed. The tourism and hospitality industry as well as small, independent stakeholders such as cab driver all lose out with thousands of Malaysians visiting neighbouring countries to satisfy their gig-going itch instead.
Concerned citizens have the right to know why the application was rejected. It is not just about an evening’s fun and dancing to MAMAMOO’s tunes but at the heart of the issue is Malaysian’s right to determine what kind of lifestyle they chose to lead.
If that happens to include wanting to watch MAMAMOO live in concert, the authorities must be held accountable as to why this right is being denied.
It may seem trivial to some but the right to choose is fundamental in a modern, progressive society. Alarm bells should be ringing if that right is being taken away by religious zealots hiding under the anonymous cloak of bureaucracy.
It is sincerely hoped that someone from the relevant government department will take the time to explain the gig cancellation to all Malaysians, not just MAMAMOO fans. – Sept 29, 2023
