PETALING JAYA: Tickets for popular Indian artiste S.P. Balasubrahmanyam’s (pix) performance on the night of the Merdeka celebrations went on sale long before approval was obtained from the authorities, and this almost left the organiser in a jam.
Fortunately, cool heads prevailed and the Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (Puspal), the approving authority, and the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim), which raised objections, agreed that the concert could proceed four hours earlier than scheduled.
Puspal denied ever issuing a support letter to the organiser – Raaghav Productions – for the performance to be held from 7pm to 11pm on Saturday.
“We were notified only recently that there should not be any performance after sunset (7.30pm) as it would clash with the Awal Muharram celebrations.
Raaghav Productions has taken to social media to inform fans on the change.
“Puspal and Jakim have raised concerns that holding the show at 7.30pm might cause uneasiness among Muslims, which could lead to racial controversies,” the organiser said.
“As a mark of respect for Awal Muharram celebrations and to get approval for the show, we had to bring the show time forward to prevent any untoward incident,” it added.
Puspal has said that based on information provided by the organiser to Jakim dated Aug 13, it was noted that ticket sales commenced in March, before an application to host the concert was made.
It initially rejected the application based on Jakim’s advice and view that the a more appropriate date should be picked but agreed to allow the event to be held with adjustment to the timing.
