KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 1 — In an about face, Malaysian Muslims can now attend the Arthur’s Day concert featuring US hip-hop band Black Eyed Peas this Sept 25.
The organisers did not give a reason for the change although its www.arthursday.com.my clearly said the concert at the Sunway Lagoon Surf Beach was for non-Muslims as reported by The Malaysian Insider on Aug 27.
The hip-hop band is headlining the concert organised by Guinness to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding in Dublin, Ireland.
Concert organisers Artists World Entertainment said today anyone was free to attend the event which “is open to all individuals aged 18 and above”.
“As a reputable concert organiser with years of experience showcasing international acts in Malaysia, we will continue to adhere strictly to the conditions as stated in our licensing approvals,” they said in a statement.
The ban against Muslims came on the heels of a planned PAS protest against the Michael Learns To Rock concert in Genting Highlands in four days time and last month’s abortive caning of a Muslim mother of two for drinking beer, raising fears of creeping Islamisation in daily life.
The federal government said the punishment was “too harsh” and threatened Malaysia’s reputation as a moderate nation, adding the caning was being reviewed despite the woman asking for a public whipping.
In a statement to celebrity news site TMZ, Guinness said: “The Ministry in Malaysia determines the parameters in which the concert can be handled. We will adhere to whatever the regulations are in the country.
If that is their point of view, that’s their point of view,” but adds “Everybody has a right to go or not go to the concert.”
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