PAS may be known for repeatedly objecting to foreign artistes performing in Malaysia but Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar clarified that his party is not against concerts but focuses on the performers’ personal conduct and social stance.
The PAS vice-president said although concerts can drive economic development, some conditions must be met, and if the performers promote an LGBTQ+ lifestyle or are pro-Israel, it would contradict the party’s stance.
“I think when we want to have a festival or event, there are conditions, right? Those are the conditions, that if someone comes for a concert, but they fight for, for example, LGBTQ+ rights or sensitive things, or are pro-Zionist, that's why we say no.
“The individual who performs needs to understand that. Other than that, I don’t think there is a problem with contributing to economic development,” he said.
Samsuri was speaking during a dialogue between PAS leaders and Chinese media practitioners in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Recently, PAS voiced its objections to concerts by Ed Sheeran and Coldplay.
The Islamist party has a history of social conservatism and objecting to performances on the grounds of attire and socio-political viewpoints of the participants.
Asked whether it is better to bar Muslims from going to such concerts while permitting non-Muslims to participate, Samsuri said it was possible to have such a rule, but there should be more respect between the communities to avoid disharmony.
“We can have rules like that, it’s not impossible but we have to look practically.
“The timing must be correct. The place to do it should not be anywhere that can cause sensitivity.
“You need to look at it from the point of view of Muslims and the Malays who are the majority in certain areas. So if they feel their sensitivities are affected, this will cause a disharmonious atmosphere,” he said.
“The main thing is to try to understand other people,” he added.
Chinese education
When asked about the Chinese education system, Samsuri emphasised that through dialogues, it would be possible to find solutions beneficial to the country.
The Terengganu menteri besar claimed the Chinese and Malays do not understand each other about their respective education systems, noting that the Chinese lack a deep understanding of the education of other ethnic groups.
“If we take over federal power, the first thing we should do is go to the grassroots as soon as possible, contact them, listen to the real situation, and try to find solutions instead of putting a stop to everything, whether it is the UEC issue or the vernacular school issue.
“It’s important that we find a solution that works... a solution that helps our country. I think that’s better than us picking on differences.
“So, to seek the truth, I will summon relevant people to explain, and we will also ask you questions. This way, many issues can be resolved,” Samsuri added. - Mkini
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