Taylor Swift issue - Focus on unity, says Umno Youth: 'We almost forgot we have Opposition'

SHAH ALAM - Umno Youth Secretary Hafiz Ariffin has slammed Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) for what he perceives as a lack of unity among party leaders regarding the organisation of The Eras Tour concert featuring singer Taylor Swift.

Hafiz's statement pertains to the divergent views expressed by Bersatu's Deputy Chairman of the Legal and Constitution Bureau Sasha Lyna Abdul Latif and Armada Chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal regarding the concert's organisation.

He highlighted that such internal disagreement should not arise within a party that had previously expressed concerns about Umno Youth Chief Dr Akmal Salleh's alleged tendency to act unilaterally on national issues.

"Umno Youth Chief represented the youth wing. Matters addressed to the government are for improvement and rectification, not to divide us.

"One unified view is sufficient to signal the youth's stance on any given matter.

"For example, Umno Youth teams are always in sync on all matters.

"The larger question is, where are the voices of the youths from the Opposition party? Is it true that only one leader remains, while others are seldom seen?

"In fact, we almost forget there is an Opposition party because it is too quiet, especially from their youth wing.

"We appreciate the concerns directed at our Youth Chief.

"However, we are more concerned that people might forget we have an Opposition that is not very visible.

"It is better to focus on presenting a united front on the other side (the opposition)," he said in a statement today.

On Wednesday, Sasha called for clarification from the government regarding the missed opportunity to host Swift's concert.

Shortly after, Wan Ahmad Fayhsal claimed that it did not reflect the party's stance.

Malaysia was reportedly close to securing a collaboration with the American pop star, but the opportunity shifted to Singapore.

Swift came onto Malaysia's radar after signing a contract with a US venue management company in 2022 to make Kuala Lumpur Sports City in Bukit Jalil a hub for sports and entertainment events.

However, the agreement was not utilised and the US company scaled back negotiations to optimise the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong recently clarified that incentives were offered to Swift, making the republic the sole destination for her world tour in Southeast Asia, with no intention of causing discord with neighboring countries.

He stated that the government agency negotiated with Swift for her to perform in Singapore as the sole stop on her Southeast Asian tour.