If you have always dreamt of watching Madonna, Shakira or Lady Gaga performing live in Malaysia, you can dream on.
According to Sepang International Circuit CEO Datuk Razlan Razali, they would not even get through the pre-approval stage in Malaysia. (Concert promoters need to seek a pre-approval before submitting a full application to bring in a foreign artiste.)
He has tried to bring them to Malaysia, says Razlan, but as soon as their names come up, religious objections are raised.
This does not include the international stars, namely Beyonce, who pulled out of their agreed show due to their unwillingness to comply to the strict concert rules in Malaysia and fear of religious backlash. And this was before the latest updated guidelines on entertainment from the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim).
"We already have a flawed and archaic permit application system for concerts and live events that is damaging the industry.
"Jakim's new guidelines are taking us 10 more steps backward," says Razlan who is also acting president for Arts, Live Festival and Events Association (ALIFE), an association representing concert organisers and other players in the local live event industry.
Already nervous about the new rules, the industry was slapped with the return of an old disease - last-minute cancellation - when the Thirst 2015 Dance Festival had its permit revoked at the eleventh hour last Saturday.
It has been a while, Razlan dryly concedes.
- Asiaone
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