PUTRAJAYA, May 11 — Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming has dismissed calls to cancel British rock band Coldplay’s concert in Malaysia, which is slated for November 22 at Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.
The minister said all international artistes are welcome to perform in Malaysia, including the likes of Adele and Taylor Swift.
“It isn’t just a concert performance, but they are good for economic growth. That is why PAS’ old-fashioned way of thinking is not suitable for our multicultural society.
“If they don’t like Coldplay... my suggestion for them is simple, don’t buy the tickets, and close their eyes.
“If Michael Jackson was allowed to perform back then in Stadium Merdeka, why shouldn’t Coldplay be allowed to perform?” Nga told reporters today at the Hari Raya open house organised by his ministry here.
He was responding to PAS central working committee member Nasrudin Hassan who took to Facebook yesterday to call for the cancellation of the concert.
Nasrudin had questioned the government, asking if it wanted to nurture the culture of hedonism and perversion in Malaysia.
“Coldplay isn’t just a rock band. They contributed to Malaysia when they sponsored a watercraft that removes plastic trash from the Klang River in 2019.
“So their philosophy is in line with the ministry as I want to care for the cleanliness of the rivers and they are helping me to do so.
“When they arrive in Malaysia, if they are willing, I’d like to buy them nasi lemak, nasi kerabu from Kelantan, roti canai and yong tou fu so that they can help us promote our local delicacies since 2025 will be Visit Malaysia year,” Nga added.
In March 2021, Coldplay — even when they had yet to perform in Malaysia — offered to sponsor a second watercraft that helps remove plastic trash from Malaysian rivers. The Interceptor 005 is a machine built by Dutch non-profit organisation The Ocean Cleanup. The first watercraft named Interceptor 002 was deployed in August 2019 and placed in the Klang River.
The Ocean Cleanup founder and chief executive officer Boyan Slat reportedly said Malaysia would be the first country to be given the Interceptor 005.
