The government says a Coldplay concert in Malaysia could be stopped by organizers if the band misbehaves

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Organizers of Coldplay’s concert on Wednesday in Malaysia can stop the show if the British rock band misbehaves, a minister said, as the government rejected calls from Muslim conservatives to cancel the show.

Muslim conservatives, led by the country’s opposition bloc, protested the concert due to Coldplay’s support for the LGBTQ+ community. Recently, they also called for the concert to be stopped in solidarity with the Palestinians killed in the war between Israel and Hamas.

Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fazal said he did not expect any trouble at Coldplay’s first concert in Malaysia later in the night. Security has been beefed up in preparation for the show, which is expected to attract about 75,000 people at a stadium outside Kuala Lumpur.

“Yes, it is one of the things we discussed with the regulator,” Fahmy said when asked if a “stop switch” would be used to cut off the power.

“The Prime Minister has also said that the band, as you know, is very supportive of Palestine. “So, we are optimistic about the ceremony today,” he added.

Malaysia introduced a kill switch measure recently following the controversy it sparked British band 1975 In Kuala Lumpur in July. The band’s lead singer criticized the country’s anti-gay laws and kissed one of his bandmates during their performance, sparking a backlash among Muslims and prompting the government to cut short a three-day music festival.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim justified allowing the Coldplay concert to take place, telling Parliament on Tuesday that “Coldplay is in fact among the bands that support Palestine.” She noted that the previous administration, before assuming power in November 2022, had approved the ceremony. Anwar said pro-Palestinian groups had also contacted his office to support the Coldplay concert.

The opposition Islamic Party criticized Anwar’s position. Coldplay’s media director, Ahmed Fadli Shaari, said that while Coldplay supports the Palestinian cause, it also encourages hedonism.

“It is not a question of whether they support the Palestinian cause or not, it is a question of the culture of fun that they bring to our society,” he said on Tuesday in Parliament. The Malaysian Islamic Party, which expanded its influence after strong Islamist support in the 2022 elections, often protests concerts by international artists, which it says conflict with Islamic values.

Officials from the concert organizer, Live Nation Malaysia, could not immediately be reached for comment. It issued a statement to concertgoers a few days ago, reminding them to “be mindful of local cultures and sensitivities” and to refrain from displaying props or items that may cause disturbance to others.

Police warned the public to refrain from any kind of provocation and incitement of disturbances at the concert, which is part of Coldplay’s world music tour.

Coldplay also faced resistance from Muslims when they performed Indonesia Advance this month. Protesters held rallies until the day of their concert, criticizing the band as “propaganda” for the gay community and whose stance destroys “faith and morals.”

Coldplay is known for incorporating its values ​​into its performances, such as the band’s pursuit of environmental sustainability. Lead singer Chris Martin is known to wear rainbow colors and Waving gay pride flags during parades.