‘Kill switch’ for concerts won’t deter foreign artistes, says organiser

 

Under a government proposal, concert organisers will be able to cut the power to lighting and sound systems in case of ‘indecent acts’ on stage. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: An event organiser has welcomed the government’s move to introduce a “kill switch” at concerts, following the controversy stirred by British band The 1975 in July.

Livescape Group CEO Iqbal Ameer believed the measure, proposed by a deputy minister recently, would not deter foreign artistes from performing in Malaysia.

He said the “kill switch” would give all parties a greater safeguard should untoward incidents arise. However, he said, the industry hoped there would never be a need for it to be employed.

“The incident involving The 1975 was an unusual and rare occurrence, and was not representative of the behaviour of the majority of artistes,” he told FMT.

Iqbal Ameer.

However, Iqbal said there needs to be proper communication processes and policies put in place with the “kill switch” to ensure a smooth response should it ever need to be engaged.

Last week, deputy communications and digital minister Teo Nie Ching had said the “kill switch” would allow concert organisers to cut off the power should any indecent act take place on stage.

She told FMT the stage lights and sound systems would be cut off, as part of stricter guidelines to ensure foreign artistes adhere to local laws.

 

The ministry introduced stricter guidelines for events after The 1975’s provocative performance at a performance in Sepang in July. The band’s lead singer, Matty Healy, criticised Malaysia’s laws against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender activities before kissing his male bandmate. It led to the three-day Good Vibes Festival being shut down by the government.

However, a lawyer who works with celebrities has raised doubts over the efficacy of a “kill switch” as a one-size-fits-all solution.

David Gurupatham.

David Gurupatham, who heads a trade coalition, Industries Unite, said the damage of Healy’s actions was already done by the time organisers had a chance to react. On another occasion, a performer at a comedy club was escorted out after trying to remove her tudung and baju kurung to reveal another set of clothes beneath.

“(So) I’m uncertain whether a kill switch would be beneficial in this type of situation,” Gurupatham said. - FMT