HAS Malaysia become a major loser in the live-entertainment industry, no thanks to protests from the far-right?
The Association of Live Event Organisers (ALIFE) and its president, Rizal Kamal, do not think so, but he admits that we are "on the road there" unless the voices of moderate Malaysians get amplified loud and clear.
"No, we are not saying that we should all revert to the 'free and easy' era of the 1950s and 1960s. Those days are gone and they will never come back, and even then, I honestly think we are better-off now entertainment wise, as we are more connected than ever," said Rizal in a recent interview.
GOOD ENTERTAINMENT
Rizal reminded fellow Malaysians, especially Muslims, that entertainment is not against piety and is, in fact, healthy for the heart and soul.
"Just take a look at Saudi Arabia — the locals may be conservative but they enjoy good entertainment."
Rizal added that entertainment is always allowed, and that was what he remembers being taught in a religious school.
"Faith is all about harmony between people. People have a right to enjoy themselves, though not excessively. It is not unhealthy to have fun," he said.
MODERATION
Rizal opined that the best way to help Malaysians "defeat" the "killjoys" of live entertainment is to amplify the voices of moderation.
"If we want concerts and we enjoy them, we must be able to tell the government that this is what we want, and not let the far right groups speak for us.
"We should make our voices loud and clear and the mass media should help to amplify them," he said.
BIGGEST YEARS
Rizal said that live performances did come back to Malaysia with a blast when the Covid-19 pandemic began to subside in 2022.
"In fact, 2022 and 2023 were the biggest years for them globally. Malaysia had held lots of shows in those years, and new venues like Zepp KL and Megastar Arena were opened.
"Our premier concert venues like Axiata Arena were fully booked for 2023 and 2024," he said, adding that the crowds at live events actually exceeded those recorded in the 1990s.
Sadly, the protests have generated lots of negative publicity for Malaysia in the international media, and these protests largely came about due to political interests.
"Certain ultra-conservative people have dampened the entire concert atmosphere, and this has been felt at the start of 2024, where show venues in Singapore and Thailand were fully booked, but not here, with the notable exception of Axiata Arena."
JUST AS STRICT
Rizal said the rules for holding live-concerts in Malaysia are not necessarily stricter than those of neighbouring countries.
"Singapore is rather strict, too, while Bangkok is pretty much relaxed. We are somewhere between them, but this does not stop us from bringing in the best of artistes, and we did get to have a great time with Coldplay, BlackPink and Singapore's Kumar," he said.
BUSINESS LANDSCAPE
Rizal emphasised that the obstacles to a vibrant live-entertainment scene are not perpetuated by the government, but the perception left in the minds of international artistes and sponsors by local protesters, who seem to be very vocal.
"These naysayers have scared the artistes away. Artistes will go to places where there are less protests because they fear that their shows will get cancelled.
"This hurts not only the live entertainment industry, but also the business landscape — we want lots of investors to visit us, but this hostility makes them think our economy is unstable," he said.
"We have a large national debt and we are doing our best to bring it down. The best way is to get lots of investors and a vibrant live-entertainment industry will pull in investments and tourists."
GUARANTEE
Rizal said that there has to be a guarantee by the government that whenever a concert is approved, it will go ahead and will not be cancelled.
"We must also increase the speed and efficiency of the application process, and always look at regional competition.
"Let us in the urban areas enjoy the benefits economic and social of the concerts. We are not holding concerts in the conservative areas but in the heart of the nation."
FAMILIES
Rizal added that people love concerts regardless of race and faith.
"It is very important for unity, and brings families together," he said.
Rizal said that one of the main tasks of ALIFE is to have dialogue with government.
"We engage them all the time and give our views without fear or favour, so far we have been successful."
SMOOTH-SAILING
However, ALIFE and the government have not always had a smooth-sailing relationship.
"There have been times when it was not easy. We mediated during The 1975 fiasco last year, helping to find solutions for it by serving as the go-between for both the government and the organisers.
"Our main issue has been changes in the government and the policy direction. When personnel in the ministry change we have to start afresh.
"Fortunately, today is a period of stability and positive changes which can last."
