Dr M: Speak up, don't let anti-concert protesters control narrative

Protests against concerts or shows that could serve as a tourist attraction only represent views from a minority of Malaysians, according to Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The prime minister, who launched the Visit Truly Asia Malaysia 2020 campaign at KLIA, said those who enjoy such events should speak up and show there are more of them than any protesting groups.

"The people who protest are minorities so the majority must also make their voices heard. This is so it doesn't seem like we (the government) are rejecting the voice of the majority.

"They are just a group of activists who tried to show they are the majority, but they are not," he added.

Mahathir said this when asked whether the government is prepared to ease procedures on holding concerts in Malaysia as there had been past cases of last-minute cancellations due to public protests.

In April, it was reported that following protest from the Council of Churches (CCM), "extreme music" band Devouror’s upcoming Kuala Lumpur concert has been cancelled. 

On next year's tourist arrivals, the prime minister said the government aims to attract more than three million visitors from China, in line with its status as Malaysia's largest trading partner.

"We will do anything possible to make Malaysia popular in China," he said, adding that authorities in charge of visitors entering into the country should also play their role to welcome tourists here.

Mahathir, together with Tourism Minister Mohammadin Ketapi, earlier witnessed the unveiling of the new Visit Malaysia 2020 aircraft livery on four carriers - Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia, Firefly and Malindo - at KLIA.

The four airlines also entered into a joint promotion agreement with Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd and Sharp (M) Electronics Sdn Bhd. - Mkini