Put aside politics, focus on ‘Swiftonomics’, Sasha tells Wan Fayhsal

 

Sasha Lyna Abdul Latiff said even Indonesia, the biggest Muslim-majority country in the world, wanted Taylor Swift to perform in their country. (AFP pic)

PETALING JAYA: Bersatu’s Sasha Lyna Abdul Latiff has lashed back at the party’s Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal for saying that she had no authority to issue statements on behalf of the party over Malaysia’s failure to secure Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.

Wan Fayhsal earlier denied that Bersatu ever discussed the matter and that Sasha, not being a “main leader” of the party, was only airing her personal views on the matter.

“This is just Wan Fayhsal’s personal views. What discussion is required?

“This is basic economic sense, and common sense as well. Malaysia must not miss out on a highly profitable concert tour, which every country in the region is vying for,” she said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Sasha, who is Bersatu’s legal and constitution bureau deputy chairman, said even Indonesia, the biggest Muslim-majority country in the world, wanted Swift to perform in their country.

Sasha Lyna Abdul Latiff.

“The tourism minister of Indonesia Sandiaga (Salahuddin Uno) said last month ‘We need Swiftonomics’ for Indonesia. If Indonesia is prepared to host Swift’s concerts, why can’t Malaysia?

“This is about jobs and economic stimulus for Malaysia which we cannot afford to miss. Put petty political grandstanding aside, put the economy first,” she added.

Earlier, the New Straits Times quoted Sasha as saying that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh must explain the missed opportunity.

She claimed that discussions between the government and Swift’s concert promoter began as early as 2022. However, the deal was never concluded, while neighbouring Singapore successfully secured exclusive rights to host her shows in the region.

Earlier today, Bersatu deputy president Ahmad Faizal Azumu posted a tweet stating that it was indeed a missed opportunity.

Previously, FMT reported industry experts as saying that Swift’s concerts in Singapore were an expensive lesson for the government, as they could have helped boost the country’s economy. - FMT