Published: Wednesday September 2, 2009 MYT 1:19:00 PM
Muslims allowed at Black Eyed Peas gig KUALA LUMPUR: The Government has agreed to let Muslims attend a concert by US hip-hop stars Black Eyed Peas <http://www.arthursday.com.my/> , reversing an earlier ban imposed because the show is sponsored by an alcoholic beverage company, officials said Wednesday. Ticket sales opened to Muslims on Wednesday for the Sept 25 show, backed by Irish beer giant Guinness, said Bonor Seen, marketing manager for organiser Artiste World Entertainment. An Information, Communications and Culture Ministry official, who declined to be named citing ministry policy, said the ban was lifted late last week and a letter was sent to the organiser. She did not give further details or say why the Government lifted the ban, which had caused an outcry. Government regulations forbid alcohol companies from organising public concerts. But this one -- part of worldwide celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of Guinness' flagship brewery in Dublin -- was allowed in order to boost tourism, although with the initial condition that Muslims would be kept away. Uncertainty over the Black Eyed Peas concert was not a first for Galaxy, the parent company of Artiste World Entertainment. Last year the government threatened to put off a Galaxy-organised concert by Canadian pop-rock star Avril Lavigne though in the end it went ahead. Shows by Lavigne and other artists such as Gwen Stefani have faced protests by conservative Muslims over immodest clothing, forcing the artistes to don attire that revealed little skin. While Lavigne and Stefani performed, other artistes have shunned Malaysia. The Black Eyed Peas have topped Billboard's Hot 100 singles charts for the past 20 consecutive weeks, the most ever by an act. -- AP http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/9/2/nation/200909021 32209&sec=nation CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This communication (which term shall include any attachments) contains information which is confidential and proprietary in nature and the copyright in which belongs to Zuellig Pharma Asia Pacific or a subsidiary of Zuellig Pharma Asia Pacific (hereafter referred to jointly and singularly as Zuellig Pharma) or a third party. This communication is intended solely for the individual to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, you may not disseminate, distribute, copy or otherwise disclose or use the contents of this communication without the written authority of Zuellig Pharma. If you have received this communication in error, please delete and destroy all copies and kindly notify the sender by return email or telephone immediately. Thank you. Zuellig Pharma makes no representations or warranties in respect of the integrity of this communication, including but not limited to any warranty that this communication is free of errors, viruses or other malicious code, interception or interference. _______________________________________________________________________ This message has been checked for all known viruses by the MessageLabs Virus Scanning Service. For further information, visit http:\\www.messagelabs.com\stats.asp
