The 1975: Muslim spectators of concert urged to seek Allah's forgiveness

GEORGETOWN - Muslim concertgoers who watched the performance of British music group The 1975 at the Good Vibes Festival (GVF) are advised to seek forgiveness from god to express regret.

Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor said they still needed to ask god for forgiveness despite not expecting to witness the alleged "immoral actions" of the pro-lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) band.

"It should be remembered that Islam is not against entertainment, including music concerts, dramas, movies and the like. What is opposed and prohibited is entertainment and any artistic activity that can damage the mind or behaviour of the audience or fans.

"Therefore, Muslims who went to watch the concert are advised to seek forgiveness from Allah, even if the immoral act was done unexpectedly before them," he said when contacted on Monday.

On Saturday, the Malaysian government cancelled the music festival in Sepang and banned the band from performing in the country following their alleged indecent behaviour.

The incident last Friday sparked an uproar that not only angered the government but also the LGBT community, who claimed that the actions of vocalist Matty Healy and bassist Ross MacDonald could expose them to discrimination.

Following that, the organiser of GVF has been asked to explain the lack of manners at the concert held at the Sepang International Circuit.

In Malaysia, homosexuality culture is a criminal offence, and most of the country's population is Muslim.

Wan Salim added that the history of Islamic civilisation has never witnessed any conflict between religion and progress, including in art and entertainment.

"Islam recommends that all parties work together towards building a good, fair and clean society.

"Therefore, it is not appropriate for a country that wants to develop a dynamic and progressive next generation to bring in foreign cultures that can damage moral values.

"High moral values ​​are essential for the development and progress of a country," he said.

He added that the Ministry of Communications and Digital should not be blamed for cancelling the festival because the behaviour shown was indecent.

"By exhibiting disrespectful behaviour by the group's vocalist as well as his criticism of the Malaysian law at the concert, it is clear that The 1975 group intends to be biased towards Malaysia and its people.

"This is because Malaysians still support and respect moral values.

"In addition, the festival organisers have also made an undertaking that they will be fully responsible for the concert, so the ministry has the right to cancel it and cannot be blamed," he said.