Fahmi: Puspal guidelines review in last stages, to tackle LGBTQ+, other issues

 

PARLIAMENT | A final stage review of the Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance (Puspal) guidelines for event organisers has taken into account the management of current issues including LGBTQ+, race, religion, and royalty.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said Puspal members are also tasked to carry out background checks on international acts that had applied to perform here.

“Any findings that touch on sensitive issues such as the country’s policies, security, religion, race or can negatively impact public interest will be discussed by Puspal before any decision is made.

“Through a review of the guideline, it is hoped that negative elements can be prevented and stopped,” said Fahmi in his ministry’s winding-up speech on debates of the royal address.

Fahmi was responding to Nurul Amin Hamid (PN-Padang Terap) who questioned the government’s move to allow Ed Sheeran’s concert at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium last month, despite protests including from PAS over the English singer-songwriter’s alleged support for LGBTQ+.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil

Further, the Lembah Pantai MP cited large spillover effects of concerts held in Malaysia on the country’s economy, as well as people involved in related industries.

Swifties in the House

RSN Rayer (Harapan-Jelutong), who interjected Fahmi’s speech, cited the recent success of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concert in Singapore and how Malaysia could have benefited more as the main host.

“I have friends in Singapore and I felt angry when they ridiculed our ability to have the concert here. So I was truly hurt when they questioned the credibility of the Communications Ministry and our government in organising concerts.

“Why didn’t we organise Taylor Swift’s concert? Why did we allow Singapore to organise it, and we merely rode on their glamour?” said Rayer.

“Can huge concerts like that be held in Malaysia so that it becomes the attraction for tourists who will come to Malaysia?” he said.

Fahmi at one point asked Saifuddin Abdullah (PN-Indera Mahkota) if the Bersatu MP was a “Swiftie” - a term used to describe fans of Taylor Swift - and Saifuddin said, “I am a Swiftie”. 

The exchange prompted deputy Dewan Rakyat speaker Ramli Mohd Nor, who appears to be unfamiliar with the term, to ask: “YB minister, strip tease?”

“No! Swiftie… Taylor Swift,” said an amused Fahmi. - Mkini