Malaysia halts music festival after same-sex kiss by UK band The 1975

Festival organiser Future Sound Asia apologised for the cancellation of the show following Healy’s “controversial conduct and remarks”. It said The 1975’s management had promised the band would obey performance guidelines.

“Regrettably, Healy did not honour these assurances,” it said in a statement.

FSA also expressed concern that the incident could “erode the confidence of music promoters and various stakeholders … and threaten the stability of our burgeoning live arts scene”.

Communications Minister Fahmi said Malaysia was committed to supporting the development of creative industries and freedom of expression.

“However, never touch on the sensitivities of the community, especially those that are against the traditions and values ​​of the local culture,” he said.

The government in March introduced stricter guidelines, including on dress code and conduct, for foreign acts coming to Malaysia, citing the need to protect sensitivities, media reported.

Friday’s incident sparked uproar on Malaysian social media, including among some members of the LGBT community, who accused Healy of “performative activism” and said his action was likely to expose the community to more stigma and discrimination.

“Matt Healy undoubtedly just made it worse for queer Malaysians who actually live here, and have to face the consequences because we all know our politicians are gonna use this to further their agenda,” Carmen Rose, a Malaysian drag queen and performer, said on Twitter.

The 1975 are on Sunday due to play at a festival in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim country, where a recent LGBT event was cancelled amid security threats.

The Jakarta festival’s organisers did not immediately respond to requests for comment on whether the band would play.

The uproar comes at a politically sensitive time in multi-ethnic Malaysia where Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s progressive coalition government will face its first major test of public support in August, when six states hold elections.

An alliance of opposition parties, largely representing the majority ethnic Malay community, has accused the government of not doing enough to protect the rights of Muslims.

The premier has said his government would uphold principles of Islam and will not recognise LGBT rights.

Reuters