The Sarawak tourism, creative industry and performing arts minister said he was prepared to testify to prove the state’s “professionalism”, The Borneo Post reported.

“Only in court will the truth come out about why the promoter cancelled the concert and who was at fault.

“I don’t like Sarawakians being treated this way. If they are (treated unfairly), we will go all-out against that company,” he was quoted as saying, adding that as the minister in charge of tourism, he was “terribly upset” by the cancellation.

The Australian soft rock duo was supposed to have performed in Kuching on Sept 24, but called it off at the last minute.

In a Facebook post early this morning, the band’s management blamed the decision on operational reasons “on the part of the promoter”, and said they were working on a new date for the show meant to mark the duo’s 50th anniversary.

Karim said his own checks showed the issue did not originate in Kuching or with the local organiser, but with Air Supply’s promoter in Kuala Lumpur.

He also revealed that he had urged the organiser, Twig Events, to take legal action if necessary.

He said he was left frustrated and disappointed by the cancellation as money, time and effort in organising the concert had been wasted.

“Fans came from Brunei, Singapore, Sabah and elsewhere, hoping to attend, but ended up with only a holiday here. They can get refunds for (the show) tickets, but not for flights or accommodation,” he said.

Twig Events was previously reported as saying they did not receive any concrete explanation for the cancellation, and that they had only learnt of it when the band posted about it on Facebook.