SHAH ALAM - Taylor Swift's influence has reached unexpected corners, even finding its way into the halls of Malaysia's Dewan Rakyat, where a lighthearted moment unfolded during a recent parliamentary session.
The untroubled moment unfolded yesterday when Members of Parliament (MPs) inquired why Malaysia wasn't included in Swift's record-breaking "The Eras Tour."
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil attempted to clarify the situation, revealing he wasn't a "Swiftie" but a dedicated follower of Malaysian songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, known as a "SitiZoner."
However, a hilarious misunderstanding arose when Deputy Speaker Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor misheard Fahmi.
Instead of "Swifties," the Deputy Speaker mistakenly asked, "YB, striptease?" causing a wave of laughter and confusion amongst the MPs.
Fahmi quickly rectified the situation, explaining he was referring to Taylor Swift's fans, not an inappropriate dance performance.
This innocent mix-up provided a welcome moment of fun during the parliamentary proceedings, showcasing the unforeseen ways pop culture can intersect with the world of politics.
The incident also reignited discussions surrounding Swift's recent sold-out concerts in Singapore.
Her decision to make Singapore the sole Southeast Asian stop on "The Eras Tour" disappointed fans in neighbouring countries.