KUALA LUMPUR – The “kill switch” is in effect for tonight’s Coldplay concert at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, said Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
He added that discussions between its agency, the Central Committee for the Application For Filming And Performance (Puspal) and the organisers have been fruitful.
“(A kill switch) is one of the things discussed with the organisers. But so far, the discussions with Puspal and the organisers have been positive.
“The prime minister also mentioned that the band is supportive of Palestine. We are upbeat about the concert (tonight),” he said at a press conference at the Digital Transformation Leader’s CxO Summit at JW Marriott Hotel here today.
A kill switch is a move introduced by the ministry as a measure to prevent untoward incidents during performances in the country. Concert organisers are instructed to cut off the electricity supply should the bands engage in behaviours that contravene local customs.
The instruction came after the fiasco surrounding British pop-rock band The 1975 during the Good Vibes Festival earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Fahmi advised concertgoers to utilise public transport to get to the stadium, adding that the organisers have prepared prayer areas for Muslim attendees.
Coldplay is scheduled to perform here tonight as part of its Music of the Spheres World Tour.
However, news of the band’s performance here was met with mixed reactions, especially from PAS leaders and several preachers calling for its cancellation.
Previously, Federal Territories Mufti Datuk Luqman Abdullah urged the government to cancel the concert tonight, adding that the public should not support an event that is against societal values.
Nonetheless, Coldplay fans are not dampened by the objections as many have started queuing for their wristbands as early as 9am even though counters are only open at 12pm.
Anwar also welcomed the band to play in Malaysia when Coldplay announced its Kuala Lumpur date on May 9 this year.
Earlier this month, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin sent a message of love and peace during its concert in Tokyo, saying: “We don’t believe in oppression, or occupation, terrorism or genocide, nothing like that.”
The band also has a pro-Palestine history when it posted “Freedom for Palestine” on its Facebook page in 2011 as well as collaborating with Palestinian band Le Trio Joubran in 2017. – November 22, 2023