CNY with Gangnam’s Psy paid by private firm, says Penang BN

K-pop sensation Psy: Reported asking price of RM2.3 million for a possible appearance in Kuala Lumpur. — Reuters file pic

GEORGE TOWN, Feb 3 — Event organiser Mega Ultimate and not Barisan Nasional (BN) is paying for Korean singer Psy’s appearance at the Chinese New Year celebration in Penang next week, say state BN officials.

Penang BN Youth chief Oh Tong Keong said Psy’s appearance was sponsored by a private company in Kuala Lumpur, refuting claims that the ruling federal coalition had splurged on public funds to bring in the celebrated singer of global hit song “Oppa Gangnam Style” in a bid to draw support from young voters in Election 2013.

“Even the preparations and food for the celebration are sponsored by several local companies,” Oh told The Malaysian Insider.

“We have prepared food for 50,000 people but we expect more will turn up to watch Psy’s performance,” he said.

The K-pop star whose real name is Park Jae-Sang, is set to perform on February 11 at the Han Chiang school grounds, significant for being the grounds that launched the DAP to overwhelming victory in Election 2008.

Psy was reported by local entertainment news portal Redcarpet to have asked a Malaysian concert promoter for US$750,000 (RM2.3 million) for a possible appearance in Kuala Lumpur last year.

“DAP and Pakatan Rakyat want to say and spin that BN spent government’s money worth RM2.3 million to RM3 million on Psy,” a Penang BN official told The Malaysian Insider.

 “This is factually incorrect as Psy’s visit as a guest of the Penang CNY Open House event was arranged and sponsored by Mega Ultimate, an event organising firm. No government or taxpayers funds are involved.”

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Psy’s presence could only raise the profile of Penang and Malaysia, which would help boost tourism.

Oh admitted Psy would be the main draw at the BN’s Chinese New Year celebration, which would Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak would also attend, but said it was not specifically aimed at getting the Penang youth vote.

“This is the first time Psy is performing in Malaysia so I am sure not only Penangites will be attending the event but it will also attract those from Kuala Lumpur, Kedah and Perak,” Oh said.

He said the mindset of the youth was different now and doubted they would be easily swayed just by Psy’s appearance at the BN party to vote for the coalition, which is now in the opposition in the state now under Pakatan Rakyat (PR) government.

“We use other more practical programmes such as job fairs to draw in the youth,” Oh said.

Lim Guan Eng: “Join in the fun — in red, yellow and green.” — File pic

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng was reported by Chinese vernacular paper Nanyang Siang Pau to have encouraged Penangites to join in the state BN celebrations and enjoy themselves.

Lim, who is Chief Minister of Penang, asked revellers to dress in red, yellow and green, to show their political support for causes that his DAP party, as a partner in the PR federal opposition bloc, was backing.

Lim subscribes to red for the Penang state government he leads; yellow for the Bersih electoral reform group, and green for environmental conservation group Himpunan Hijau.