From Malaysia Insider:
Malaysia has allowed hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas [band members including will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Taboo, and Fergie] to play at Arthur’s Day in Sunway Lagoon on Sept 25 — one of four official global spots celebrating Guinness Stout’s 250th anniversary — but only for non-Muslims.
The Information, Communication and Culture Ministry had put in this condition, apart from telling the brewery not to put any logos or sell the bitter-sweet brew at the concert which also features local act Reshmonu, several bands and deejays.
It is learnt that music concert rules disallow breweries or alcoholic drinks makers from sponsoring such events but the ministry relented as the concert is expected to boost the tourism industry affected by the recession and the A(H1N1) flu outbreak.
A sentence in the local Arthur’s Day website — www.arthursday.com.my — states the event is only for non-Muslims aged 18 and above. The concert at the Sunway Lagoon Surf Beach costs RM103 an entry [1USD~3.5RM].
It sounds somewhat ridiculous one is barred for a music event just because of his/her religion. I won’t suspect the rules of Malaysia’s Culture Ministry would affect the sales of BEP concert tickets.
#Permalink Tags: Black Eyed Peas, Fergie, Malaysia, will.i.am
Yes, agree is ridiculous and funny way to ban such event…but surprisingly Malaysia Ministry of Culture allows Astro the most popular TV Station to show the Blackeyed Peas almost everyday on their MTV, Hitz and V Channels, even to the extent of Fergie sometimes was in bigini exposing her most sexy part.
One wonders the ban is on what is not allowed. If Malaysia is to continue to ban such things, such as, Pop Stars and celebrities to visit here then we will be behind Singapore in terms of becoming a Modern City, look now and look at it carefully, Singapore F1 is better than Sepang and soon Singapore Casino will beat Genting Highlands. I hope we will prevail and move forward modernly if we are to be the Best Tourist Destinations in South East Asia if not the World.