Alife Malaysia: Political Protests Limit Malaysia To One Coldplay Show, While Singapore Hosts Six
Alife Malaysia took to Facebook to express their concerns, stating that the involvement of political groups in protests has left a “sour note” on artists, organisers, and international concert-goers.
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The Arts, Live Festival, and Events Association (Alife Malaysia), a collective representing the events industry, highlighted that political protests have significantly contributed to Malaysia only securing a single Coldplay show.
This announcement followed the recent news that the British band will be performing six shows in neighbouring Singapore, while Malaysia will only host one.
Alife Malaysia took to Facebook to express their concerns, stating that the involvement of political groups in protests has left a “sour note” on artists, organisers, and international concert-goers.
Many concert goers have asked why Singapore is able to have 6 shows while Malaysia only has 1 show. Although there are many reasons, one key issue is the protests from political groups which leaves a sour note with the artist, organiser and especially international concert goers.
Alife Malaysia
Furthermore, Alife Malaysia emphasised the potential economic benefits Malaysia could have enjoyed if it had been the host country for all six Coldplay shows.
They estimated that this would have generated millions in tourist income, benefiting various sectors such as hotels, transportation, food and beverage, retail, and more.
The association stressed that these protests directly impact Malaysia’s international business environment and reputation.
These protests have proven to have a direct impact on our international business environment and reputation.
Alife Malaysia
Alife Malaysia urged the government, media, and the public to safeguard Malaysian businesses and prevent specific groups from dictating the preferences of the majority of Malaysians.
However, it should be noted that Malaysia is not the only country with a one-night only performance. While Singapore may have gotten six, Indonesia and Bangkok both only have one.
Echoing the sentiments of Alife Malaysia, MUDA President Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman lamented that while Malaysia engaged in arguments over hosting concerts, other countries seized golden opportunities to generate economic surpluses.
While we are here arguing over Malaysia hosting concerts, countries out there are grabbing golden chances to generate an economic surplus.
MUDA President Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman
He also highlighted the potential benefits for the travel and food industries, as well as the creation of additional job opportunities.
Additionally, the young MP noted that the event management, lighting experts, sound experts, floor management, and volunteers were among the job opportunities missed due to the absence of the additional Coldplay shows.
Alife Malaysia Chairman Is Also Head of Live Nation Malaysia
The chairman of Alife Malaysia is Para Rajagopal who is also the head of Live Nation Malaysia, the entertainment company tasked in handling the upcoming Coldplay concert in Malaysia.
Twitter user @iamjoelee in pointing this out ended his tweet with “Questions? LOL!”
Para is also the founder of PR Worldwide.
Back in March, a Malaysian lawyer said he was suing Live Nation Malaysia over a “missing” ticket during the Blackpink’s Born Pink World Tour concert.
Nas Rahman tweeted that he is suing organiser Live Nation Malaysia for up to RM1 million over his “missing” seat at the show after he had to sit on the floor along the stairway during the concert as one of the two tickets he paid for did not exist.
Besides that, Live Nation Malaysia has also been criticised over the recent Coldplay ticket sales which saw slow website loading and had also seen many scalpers and resellers purchasing tickets.
On May 19, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the ministry would meet up with the organisers of the concert in order to understand their ticketing system and procedures.
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