Halting The 1975's performance shows govt's firmness - Analyst

SHAH ALAM - The act of stopping British band The 1975’s performance after a band member committed an inappropriate act on stage proves that the government is firm in safeguarding civilisation in line with the Malaysia Madani aspirations.

Security and political analyst at Universiti Teknologi Mara's (UiTM) Media and Information Warfare Studies Centre Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin said it also showed that the organiser was highly sensitive of elements that contradicted moral values, culture and the Malaysian legislation that placed Islam as the official religion.

He said such incidents should not be allowed to happen again in the country as it would likely be something that could threaten the national security by influencing society to accept the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) ideology.

"The public needs to condemn the action and be more firm in voicing out a diplomatic objection on the incident.

"This is because the band member's action criticising and disputing the firm stance of the government when they were ordered to stop the performance was truly disappointing," he said in a statement on Saturday.

The 1975's performance at the Good Vibes Festival 2023 was halted after singer Matty Healy did a series of lewd acts in front of fans.

He was accused of holding a bottle of alcohol while on stage and made a speech insulting Malaysia's LGBT-related laws.

Nirwandy added that concert organisers needed to be more sensitive in studying the cultural values and behaviour of music groups before bringing them into the country.

"Well done to the audiences among Malaysians for daring to speak out and openly condemn the act of The 1975 which was insensitive to the culture of our country.

"The act of denouncing the band member en masse is a symbol of Malaysians' unity in dealing with security threats including attempts to influence the mindset of Malaysians,” he said.