KUALA LUMPUR: The Communication and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil confirmed that the remaining two days of the Good Vibes Festival (GVF) have been cancelled.
In a statement today, Fahmi said the cancellation was called immediately after meeting the organiser, Future Sound Asia, today.
He said the unity government's stance on the matter was clear, which is not to compromise with any party that challenges, disparages and violates Malaysian law.
"Therefore, I have ordered an immediate cancellation of the rest of the festival, which was supposed to take place today until tomorrow.
"I understand this decision will have implications for the audience who have purchased tickets. Accordingly, I have urged the organisers to identify a compensation mechanism for ticket buyers.
"The government is committed to supporting the development of creative industries and freedom of expression.
"However, never touch the sensitivities of the community, especially those that are against the manners and values of the local culture," he said.
The organiser told the New Straits Times in a brief WhatsApp reply today that it would issue a statement on the matter soon.
Earlier today, London-based pop and R&B singer Dhruv apologised for having to cancel his performance at GVF tonight.
He was scheduled to perform at the festival at 8pm.
Dhruv, through his Instagram account, said the reason behind his performance cancellation was completely outside of his control.
"We have been inside the Kuala Lumpur International Airport for the last 14 hours, hoping for a better outcome. Unfortunately, I'm unable to enter the country.
"I am so sorry to anyone who got a ticket to see me play. I'm devastated, but I will make it my No. 1 priority to come back here," he said.
Last night, the frontman of British band The 1975, Matt Healy, delivered a speech, that went viral, while performing the last set at the Good Vibes Festival.
The band's performance was cut short due to non-compliance with local performance guidelines after Healy made a profanity-laden speech directed at the government.
Healy was seen performing on stage while holding a bottle of wine, lighting a cigarette and spitting on the stage, as well as dropping remarks about not being in the mood to perform in between songs.
After performing the first song, he snatched the organisers' drone camera that flew above the concertgoers and onto the stage before smashing the device onto the ground and saying: "You push me, I'll push back. Do not fly a robot to my face."
After the band's second song, Healy, who appeared intoxicated, kissed his male guitarist after making another speech before continuing to perform.
He left the crowd stunned and dumbfounded when he said the band had been "banned from performing in Kuala Lumpur" before leaving the stage when there was still another 30 minutes in their set.
