Keep an open mind on concerts by international acts, says Selangor exco

SELANGOR'S local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim has urged all quarters to keep an open mind when it comes to concerts that feature international acts like the ongoing six-night Taylor Swift The Eras Tour in Singapore.

In the state assembly sitting on Tuesday (March 5), Rajiv Rishyakaran (PH-Bukit Gasing) asked Ng for his opinion on the kind of impact such an event would have on tourism revenue.

Ng responded that no doubt, Singapore would have benefitted greatly from the influx of concertgoers from all over the region and the economic spillover.

“Why can’t we do the same? This is due to the many obstacles and restrictions arising from narrow mindsets... quick to (link) such acts to negative elements.

"There are times when international artists are branded as negative (by those who have yet to even) hear them sing or watch them perform," said Ng.

He stressed the need for a paradigm shift in thinking. to stop regarding international acts as evil and regard them simply as a form of entertainment, especially for the younger generation.

“Why must we deny and suppress our young this way?

"Of course, as parents we have to monitor them to a certain extent for their own good.

"But it is important that we do not cultivate narrow mindsets. In the face of globalisation, we must be logical and rational,” said Ng.