Malaysia Banned Muslims for Black Eyed Peas’ Guiness Brewery Sponsored Concert
Written by Lindsay Britney on Aug 27, 2009.
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.
