Cancellation Of Erykah Badu's Concert Will Not Tarnish Malaysia's Image - Minister

KUALA LUMPUR, March 1 (Bernama) -- Information, Communications and Culture Minister Rais Yatim said the cancellation of a concert featuring American songstress, Erykah Badu, would not tarnish Malaysia's image internationally. He said it was the Malaysian government's right to consider it that way as the country's religious sensitivities should be the top of consideration. "I don't think so (the cancellation will affect the country's image), as there are many relevant considerations for Malaysia and the fact that observance of a country's religious sensitivities should be a priority. "I think that is the right of Malaysia to consider that way, and we also consider the rights of others in other jurisdiction," he told reporters on the sidelines of the 11th Conference of Asean Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI), here, Thursday. The minister was earlier asked by reporters whether the cancellation would tarnish Malaysia's image internationally. The concert which was scheduled to be held in the federal capital last night was cancelled for allegedly violating the Central Agency for the Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (Puspal) guidelines. To another question, Rais said Badu had indicated for a meeting with him through Twitter Wednesday. "However, Wednesday night we were involved in various activities, but she sent me a Tweet saying that she respected our value system and religious sentiments and sensitivities "I wish I could meet her Thursday and hopefully we can continue with the association later," he said. -- BERNAMA