PARLIAMENT | Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has lauded Coldplay for its support of Palestine after various quarters called for the cancellation of the British band’s concert slated for tomorrow.
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat today, Anwar asserted that similar concerts were approved by the previous administration.
This came after Federal Territories mufti Luqman Abdullah urged for the concert to be called off.
Luqman reportedly called on the public to not support the concert as Coldplay is linked to “immoral groups promoting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) practices”.
In response, Anwar gave his assurance that he would discuss the matter with Luqman.
“I will discuss the situation (regarding the concert) with Luqman because there are lobbyists from the Palestinian movement who support and give views to the foreign minister (Zambry Abdul Kadir) and also to my office, stating why groups that support the Palestinian cause are prevented from continuing the show.
“But if this matter is raised because there are some other issues that we don’t agree on, I will discuss them again,” he said during the Prime Minister's Question Time today.
He was responding to a question by Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang) on the government’s stance on Coldplay’s concert as well as other performances following Luqman’s statement.
“Is there a policy or position (by the government) to ensure that we understand the current situation that is happening today involving Gaza?” Wan Fayhsal queried.
PAS’ objection
Following the announcement of Coldplay’s maiden Kuala Lumpur gig, several PAS leaders claimed that the band had an LGBTQ agenda and opposed the show.
The band’s lead singer Chris Martin has been known to regularly display the rainbow flag - often regarded as a symbol of LGBTQ rights - during concerts.
In May, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomed Coldplay’s decision to play in Malaysia.
Coldplay’s gig is expected to benefit Malaysia’s economy due to the expected influx of foreign concertgoers.
Singapore, meanwhile, is expecting a bonanza after it secured the band for six dates in January 2024. = Mkini
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