Psy will cost a bomb, but that's 'BN style'

While BN's policy claims to help curb living cost problems with small cash handouts for the populace, it appears that the party has no problems with spending a bomb on political-entertainment events.

Come February 11, BN will be hosting Korean pop sensation PSY, who is expected to belt his global hit ‘Gangnam Style' and perform his signature equine dance moves at Penang BN's open house event.

A crowd of 60,000 is expected at the Han Chiang college compound for the event. Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak (left) is also expected to be in attendance.

Several concert promoters told Malaysiakini that it is unlikely that Psy is slated for a full blown concert and will most likely make a short appearance, 30 minutes at most.

"I can imagine that it is going to be a short set. People will be bored waiting for just one song," said veteran promoter, who declined to be named because those in his industry needs close cooperation with the authorities.

Conservatively, promoters estimated that Psy would charge between USD300,000 to USD400,000 (RM932,100 to RM1,242,800) for a short performance with a small crew, and singing "minus one" which means he would be performing to pre-recorded music without a band.

That price, remarked one promoter, would be the equivalent to hiring American chart topper Pitbull to perform two shows.

Entertainment news portal Redcarpet reported that Psy's fee for BN was USD1 million (RM3.1 million).

This estimate, however, is unlikely as it would mean that short appearance by Psy would cost more than Jennifer Lopez's recent full fledged concert in Kuala Lumpur.

For further comparisons, Justin Beiber's estimated fee for a full concert in Kuala Lumpur last year was USD600,000 (RM1.8 million) while Beyonce (left) was reported to have demanded USD750,000 (RM2.3 million) to perform in 2007.

Psy will overshadow PM
Khoo Kay Peng, an experienced promoter who had brought in K-pop acts such as Super Junior and B1A4 in Malaysia, noted that Psy could command a higher fee during that the Chinese New Year period.

"It coincides with the Korean new year. He's a rich man from a rich family. If the fee is not appealing, he'll stay in Korea where he has other commitments," said Khoo.

He also estimated that the setup cost would be in the RM150,000 to RM200,000 range, especially since it was during the holiday period.

Khoo, who is better known for his political analysis work, said that BN's strategy of bringing in Psy for the open house event was "a bit misplaced" since the performer will overshadow the prime minister.

"Politically, I don't think it is very smart. BN should not give the impression that the prime minister can't attract a crowd and needs Psy to do it for him.

"It doesn't matter if the crowd is 60,000 or 100,000. At the end of the day, it is the quality of the crowd that matters. They should have gotten the premier to come and keep it sober," said Khoo (left).

Khoo said that the message which BN is trying to send also appears contradictory. On one hand, it is taking certain austerity measures and rejecting calls for free tertiary education, but it is also spending big money to bring in a superstar.

Despite his affinity with K-pop, Khoo, a Penang native, said he would not be observing the event.

"Chinese new year is a time for family and reflection, particularly on those who are not so privileged," he said.