The move by the Information, Communications and Culture Ministry to ban the concert by American singer Erykah Badu, scheduled for last night, received the support of the cabinet yesterday.
Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said he had proposed the cancellation of the concert from the aspect of security and the importance of giving respect to religion, race and culture.
"If the concert were to go ahead, according to the police, there is a possibility that it may develop into various situations that may lead to social excitement.
"Quarrels may break out due to religious sensitivities, as has happened in other places in the world, and this might lead to excessive and uncontrollable excitement."
On Tuesday, Rais announced that the Central Agency for the Application for Filming and Performances by Foreign Artistes (Puspal) had cancelled the Badu concert after it was found to have contravened Puspal guidelines and approval conditions with regard to religious, racial and cultural sensitivities of Malaysians.
He said the act of the artiste in inscribing the word "Allah" on her body, and not covering it up, was an insult to Islam and considered a serious matter.
He said the picture carried by The Star was not the picture provided by the organisers, which did not have any symbols insulting Islam. "But, somehow, the newspaper had carried the photograph."
He said approval was given to the organisers on Jan 4 to comply with all the conditions for the concert. Bernama
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