The application hasn’t even been approved and the youth Islamic group in Malaysia has already lodged a protest against Avril Lavigne’s concert in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Now, I am no big fan of Arvil Lavigne and I have never been to her concert. Heck, I have never even watched any of her music videos so I can’t tell how her live shows will be like but Malaysia has a strict code for foreign, and in fact, local, artistes to adhere to and that include covering up from chest to knee, no screaming, no shouting, no hugging, no kissing and even no holding hands.
Many foreign artists have chose to give Kuala Lumpur a pass, instead opting for more liberal neighboring countries like Singapore, Thailand and even Indonesia, surprisingly. Those who are brave enough to come, like the Pussy Cat Dolls, received a fine of MYR10,000 for indecent dressing.
Well, protests by the youth Islamic group are nothing new. One would think that they spend most of their time protesting and protecting the moral values of the youth in Malaysia. While we understand their good intentions, they seem to forget that the young people of today are already exposed to many things on the web so jumping, screaming, hugging or kissing artistes in skimpy clothes would not be something new.
I think that only foreign artistes the likes of Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart, Cliff Richard, Paul McCartney and Engelbert Humperdinck and oh yes, Alan Tam, will ever get to perform in Malaysia. SIGH!
