KUALA LUMPUR, March 29 — A British extreme metal band issued a sarcasm-peppered message to Putrajaya and its local fans after its visa was declined for a scheduled performance in May.
In its Facebook message yesterday accompanied by an image of an upside down Malaysian flag, the band Carcass apologised sarcastically to its local fans, asking them to invite the band again after they have found themselves "a sensible secular state.”
"Sorry Malaysia, no show for you guys in May. Seems like your government officials still haven't updated their calendars to the 21st century — we've had our visas declined on the basis of our ‘lyrical content.’ Laughable and embarrassing. Give us a call when you get yourselves a sensible secular state. PS if you're reading this you're too late, we already ‘corrupted’ your youth and played Kuching last year!" Carcass posted on its Facebook.
The band's message did not go down well with local fans in and out of Malaysia as well as social media users who criticised the band's insensitivity and ignorance of the national pride in the Malaysian flag.
A fan, Muhammad Najmi posted; “some of your truest fans are from this country. no need to turn our flag upside down. that was uncalled for. so disappointed with your status.”
Another fan, Masayo Tottori, commented; “Reversed Malaysia flag? You dissapoint all the malaysian metalheads who support you with all their hearts. We love our country, most of us may not agree with our government, but this time you are making malaysian metalheads hate you.”
A random social media user Daniel Henry said he did not love the politicians in Malaysia but thought it was very rude of the band to turn the country’s flag upside down.
Shah Azam, another disappointed fan of the band, commented: “Dear, Carcass. I'm Malaysian and I love you guys. I got all of your releases in various formats in my collection. I always dream about watching you guys play live at least in Kuala Lumpur. F*ck the government? Yes. Upside down flag? Not cool.”
Carcass which was formed in 1985 is not the only band to have been banned by local authorities.
In 2013, heavy metal band ‘Lamb of God’ was also banned from performing after the Communications and Multimedia Ministry said that the group's performances were found to infringe on religious sensitivities and cultural values of the Malaysian society.
