KUALA LUMPUR: The PAS information chief, Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, has voiced his concerns about the upcoming Coldplay concert, stating that while the band supports the Palestinian cause, they also encourage a culture of hedonism.
Shaari, who is also the Pasir Mas MP, believes that the concert should be cancelled despite the Prime Minister’s statement that Coldplay is pro-Palestinian.
During a debate on the 2024 Supply Bill, Shaari emphasized that the issue is not solely about Coldplay’s support for Palestine, but about the impact of their hedonistic culture on the local community, especially during times of conflict.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has praised Coldplay for their stance on Palestine and expressed his intent to discuss the concert with the Federal Territories mufti. Anwar highlighted the support from Palestinian lobbyists and questioned the logic of preventing a group that backs the Palestinian cause from performing in Malaysia.
However, Federal Territories mufti Datuk Dr Luqman Abdullah has urged the government to cancel the Coldplay concert, warning that it would not benefit society.
In addition, PAS and Majlis Ulama Ikatan Muslimin (Isma) religious council chairman Datuk Zamri Hashim have also called for the concert to be cancelled.
The controversy arises just days before Coldplay’s scheduled performance in Kuala Lumpur as part of their Music of the Spheres World Tour.
Coldplay has been known for its vocal support of Palestine, with the band even posting the song “Freedom For Palestine” on its official Facebook page in 2011.
