Ban disrespectful foreign artistes, Seniman tells govt

PETALING JAYA: The government should blacklist foreign artistes who have a record of committing indecent acts and openly support Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) culture, says the Malaysian Artistes Association (Seniman).

Seniman president Rozaidi Jamil - also known as Zed Zaidi - said the government should only grant permission to foreign artistes who do not have a history in engaging in indecent acts or openly support LGBT.

"The central committee for the application for filming and performances by foreign artistes (Puspal) under the Communications and Digital Ministry should conduct thorough background checks on foreign artists before allowing them to perform in the country.

"The action by The 1975 was a clear insult to the country's laws and culture which could have a negative influence on the youth," Sinar Ahad quoted Zed Zaidi as saying on Sunday (July 23).

The call by Seniman comes on the heels of British band The 1975’s performance where lead singer Matty Healy started ranting on stage about the country's LGBT laws before kissing bassist Ross MacDonald at the Sepang International Circuit on Friday (July 21).

This led the Good Vibes Festival organisers to pull the plug on the band's performance, which was followed by a total ban of the group performing in Malaysia and the remaining two days of the festival cancelled by the Ministry.

Zed Zaidi said youth can be easily influenced and the act by The 1975 can spread across all platforms, hence the need to rigorously control and restrict the entry of foreign artists.

He said the government should prioritise performance of local artistes which could help them earn a living as many have been impacted by the aftermath of Covid-19.