PAS’ call for concert ban threat to national unity - MCA

MCA has called PAS’ cry to ban all international concerts from being held in Malaysia a threat to national unity.

Its spokesperson Saw Yee Fung said the people must reject groups or individuals intending to mire the country with ethnic antagonism.

“As Malaysia is made up of multiracial, multilingual and multi-religious communities, the different cultures have always co-existed peacefully. Each may opt to participate in activities that conform to one’s own culture or religious teachings and practices.

“Seeking common ground while respecting each other’s differences are hallmarks of mutual respect and bode well for interfaith and inter-ethnic relations and discourses,” she said in a statement today.

Saw pointed out that it is common for people to enjoy music to maintain work-life balance.

“So long as people do not indulge in a decadent or hedonistic lifestyle and maintain self-discipline, concerts should not become an issue,” she added.

MCA’s Saw Yee Fung

This came after PAS Youth condemned having concerts in Malaysia, which it claims to be happening “again and again”, adding that it would anger Allah.

It said this less than 24 hours after the international singer Billie Eilish performed at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur on Aug 18.

Saw said MCA was of the view that Malaysians did not share such extremist remarks and views.

“As Merdeka approaches, we must keep in mind and cherish the founding spirit exemplified by our founding fathers who aspired to build an inclusive, harmonious and multiracial society steeped in moderation.

“Although inciting emotions, hyping up racial issues are the most direct and cheapest political ploy, our nation’s democratic values, diversity and spirit of goodwill within our communities will pull us through to rise above any challenges lobbed by extremists,” she added.

The Islamist party’s youth wing later warned that it would be mobilising a "nationwide protest" if the government continues to grant permission for concerts.

Where’s protest against real problems?

Meanwhile, DAP Youth chief Dr Kelvin Yii said that PAS’ intention to hold a protest was a threat to the country’s multicultural and plural society.

“PAS’ fixation on concerts in the midst of a possible economic slowdown and rampant corruption in Malaysia shows how it has its priorities confused and nothing constructive to offer to the people’s everyday problems.

“As part of the government, all it can offer to address the rakyat’s problems seems to be to protest against concerts in our country,” he said in a statement.

The Bandar Kuching MP questioned if allowing international acts to perform here is the cause of the moral collapse of leaders in power which has led to billions stolen such as in the 1MDB, littoral combat ship (LCS), Tabung Haji and Yayasan Akalbudi cases.

DAP Youth chief Dr Kelvin Yii

“Why are there no nationwide protest for all these more serious matters especially against blatant corruption, bad governance, inequality, discrimination, and oppressive laws that are inflicting real damage to our country and its people?”

Yii said to attempt to regress Malaysia into a “medieval past” was part of a “Taliban mindset”.

“All this divisive rhetoric is merely a smokescreen for their leader's incompetence in government in dealing with real issues that affect all Malaysians as well as their deafening silence against their own partners in government who are involved in grand corruption and kleptocracy.

“This is why there should not be a place for PAS in positions of power. This is the kind of government PAS will bring, so vote wisely in the next polls,” he added.

International acts set to hold concerts in Malaysia soon include superstar Justin Bieber, Korean group Blackpink and Indonesian band Dewa 19.

Ever since PAS joined the federal administration, it had threatened protests over several matters including when the government decided not to cancel “special draws” by lottery companies. - Mkini