Ban Coldplay? PM Anwar cites band's support for Palestine

KUALA LUMPUR - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today emphatically dismissed calls to ban or cancel the upcoming Coldplay concert in Kuala Lumpur, stressing the British rock band's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.

Addressing the matter during the Prime Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat, today, Anwar asserted, "Coldplay stands out as one of the many rock bands that actively advocates for Palestine."

His statement comes in response to growing criticisms from certain quarters, including the Malaysian Ulama Association (PUM), which has urged the government to scrap the concert, citing concerns over its potential to conflict with Islamic values and syariah law.

"We had previously approved the Coldplay concert due to their stance on Palestine.

"However, I will be meeting with the mufti to address this situation, as there are advocates from the Palestinian movement who have expressed their support and provided insights to my foreign minister and office.

"They have raised concerns about why a group that actively supports the Palestinian struggle is being prevented from performing," he said.

He said this in response to additional questions from Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang), who wanted to know the government's stance or policy on the Coldplay concert, including whether other concerts would be organised to help people understand the current situation in Gaza.

Wan Ahmad Fayhshal's inquiry stemmed from Federal Territories Mufti Dr Luqman Abdullah's recent advice cautioning the public against supporting the concert, deeming it incompatible with the country's core values and culture.

Luqman reportedly expressed concerns that the Coldplay: Music Of The Spheres World Tour In Kuala Lumpur concert could have a distracting effect and offer no tangible benefits to the Malaysians.

Similarly, the PUM has called for the immediate cancellation of the Coldplay concert, citing its potential to transgress Islamic boundaries and violate syariah law.

PUM Youth chief Dr Muhamad Alihanafiah Norasid voiced concerns that organising such a "hedonistic" event could have a detrimental impact on Malaysian Muslims, deviating from local norms and ethics.