Taylor Swift concert: Malaysia fumbled economic opportunity - Ahmad Faizal
Malaysia debates concert strategy after Singapore lands Taylor Swift tour
SHAH ALAM - Bersatu Deputy President Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu argues that despite existing avenues, Malaysia missed an opportunity to attract international artists.
Faizal highlighted the potential to bring in "A-list celebrities" through collaborations with venue management companies like ASM Global.
"We should be more aggressive in securing these acts.
"The economic benefits outweigh political considerations," he said on social media platform X.
His comments come after Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong defended his country's strategy of attracting major concerts, like Taylor Swift's Southeast Asian exclusive show.
Lee stressed Singapore's use of tourism development funds to secure such events.
Yesterday, Bersatu legal and constitution bureau deputy chairman Sasha Lyna Abdul Latiff also demanded Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh to explain the missed economic opportunity.
She claimed that communications were initiated between the Malaysian government and Swift's concert promoter as far back as 2022.
Despite this, Malaysia was unable to seal the deal, while neighbouring Singapore successfully secured the tour, she said.
However, Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal has denied that his party had called for the government to answer for Malaysia’s failure to secure Swift’s Eras Tour.
The Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, which Bersatu is part of, has long been known for criticising concert events.