Sunday, August 10, 2008

PETALING JAYA: Federal Territory PAS Youth has been slammed for calling for a ban on the upcoming concert by popular Canadian rocker Avril Lavigne, with Malaysian Artistes’ Association (Karyawan) describing the move as “ridiculous”.

Its president Freddie Fernandez criticised the move, saying: “This is the most ridiculous thing to do – to ask for a cancellation of such a decent performer like Avril Lavigne.

“Avril's music is very popular here. PAS Youth should never deprive Malaysians of the chance to watch the concert.”

The concert has been set for Aug 29 at Stadium Merdeka.

Fernandez said PAS Youth was trying to impose their narrow values on the country, forgetting that Malaysia is a multicultural nation.

“PAS Youth should really take a good look at themselves and examine whether what they are doing is correct,” he said.

“Their narrow-mindedness will definitely not get the support of the rakyat. They are always looking at the world through blinkers. They cannot see any other point of view except theirs.”

He said Karyawan would be calling for a meeting with all concert promoters to have a stand once and for all to ask for the Government not to entertain ridiculous requests and demands of such unreasonable people.

On Saturday, Federal Territory PAS Youth chief Kamaruzaman Mohamed handed over a memorandum to Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Hakim Borhan and the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry calling for a ban on the concert.

The PAS wing is asking the authorities to ban the show because “rock and punk is not suitable for the young generation and especially so during Merdeka month.”

Galaxy Group spokesman said the rocker would comply with regulations here during her concert.

“There is absolutely no problem with her image, costumes and showmanship,” he added.

“Avril’s management is aware of this and they have told us to handle the issue properly,” he said.