The first day of the three-day concert at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) yesterday saw The 1975 lead singer Matty Healy criticise Malaysia’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) laws before kissing his male bandmate.

In a Facebook post, communications and digital minister Fahmi Fadzil said he had ordered for the festival to be cancelled.

Separately, the agency under the ministry responsible for approving foreign artistes’ permits said The 1975 has been blacklisted from performing in Malaysia.

“The unity government’s stand is very clear,” said Fahmi in a Facebook post.

“There will be no compromise with any party that challenges, belittles or violates Malaysian laws.

“Therefore, I have directed for the immediate cancellation of the festival, which was supposed to continue until tomorrow.”

He said that while the government is committed to supporting the development of the creative industry and freedom of expression,  artistes must refrain from hurting the sensitivities of the community, especially those that go against local customs and values.

Fahmi, who held a meeting with the concert’s organisers earlier today, urged them to identify a mechanism to compensate ticket holders.

Meanwhile, the Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (Puspal) said The 1975 has been blacklisted from performing in the country.

Puspal also said it has filed a police report against the artistes and the event organisers for negligence and failure to comply with the conditions it set out.

“When the application was made, the organisers assumed full responsibility for the artistes’ performance,” it said.

“The conduct exhibited by the band is an insult to our country’s laws and a violation of Malaysians’ moral values.”

Earlier today, Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan told FMT the concert organisers would be providing police more information on the incident this afternoon.

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