Beyonce Knowles is known for her invigorating dance moves and for donning sexy clothes. This image of the R&B star has captivated many audiences worldwide but not the Islamic conservatives in Malaysia who apparently tagged a scheduled Beyonce concert as immoral.
Knowles, who is scheduled to hold a concert at Kuala Lumpur stadium on October 25, was reported to have moved the date following the accusation. The Malaysian entertainment company Marctensia said in response however that “the postponement is solely [the] decision of the artist and has nothing to do with other external reasons”. The company also confirmed that the show “has been postponed to a future date to be announced shortly.”
The Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party, Malaysia’s largest opposition group, criticised Knowles and requested for the show to be cancelled for promoting “Western sexy performances.” A Marctensia representative has not confirmed if Knowles’ decision is based on the criticism.
In Malaysia, female performers are required by the government to wear clothing that covers the shoulders and reaches down to the knees, without exposing the cleavage. When asked about the possibility of Knowles wearing revealing outfits, the Marctensia representative responded by saying that “all parties have come to an amicable understanding” in relation to the proper concert dress code.
In 2007, Beyonce was scheduled to perform in Malaysia but the show was also cancelled following protests from the opposition party. Though her agency confirmed scheduling conflicts as the main reason, the singer hit neighbouring, less stringent, Muslim country Indonesia instead.
Pop stars Avril Lavigne and Gwen Stefani also received the same treatment from the conservatives during their performances in Malaysia. Entertainment industry officials commented that controversies triggered by the country’s strict regulations have discouraged international artists from performing or visiting Malaysia.
