GEORGE TOWN: Muslims who saw the performance by British band The 1975 at the Good Vibes Festival 2023 on Friday are advised to seek forgiveness from Allah.
Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor said they needed to express regret even though they did not commit a sin.
He said even if they did not expect (to see) immoral actions by the group's singers, they still have to ask Allah for forgiveness.
"It should be stressed that Islam is not against entertainment, including concerts, dramas, movies and the like. What is prohibited is entertainment and any artistic activity that can damage the minds and behaviour of the audience or fans.
"Therefore, Muslims who went to the concert are advised to seek forgiveness from Allah, even if the immoral act was done unexpectedly in front of them," he said today.
At the concert, The 1975's lead singer Matty Healy criticised Malaysia's anti-LGBT laws before kissing a male bandmate on stage.
Following the incident, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil ordered an immediate cancellation of the festival.
Fahmi had said the unity government's stand was clear and there would be no compromise with any party that challenges, belittles, or violates Malaysian laws.
Police have received several reports on the incident.
Wan Salim also said the history of Islamic civilisation has never witnessed conflicts between religion and progress, including in art and entertainment.
"What Islam recommends is that all parties work together to build a good, fair and clean society.
"Therefore, it is not appropriate for a country that wants to develop a dynamic generation to bring in foreign culture that can damage moral values.
"High moral values are essential for the development of a country," he added.
Wan Salim said the Communications and Digital Ministry should not be blamed for cancelling the festival.
"It is clear The 1975 group is biased against Malaysia and its people.
"In addition, the festival organisers had given an undertaking to be fully responsible for the concert, so the Communications and Digital Ministry has the right to cancel it and cannot be blamed," he said.