Coldplay's concert in Malaysia could be stopped using "kill switch," says communications minister

A "kill switch" instituted by event organisers will be available at Coldplay's upcoming gig in Kuala Lumpur — granting authorities the ability to pull the plug on the show if the band make any controversial comments or actions whilst onstage.

The new measure, which comes ahead of Coldplay's gig at Bukit Jalil stadium tonight, November 22nd, would see the power to the stage instantaneously cut, putting an immediate end to the live performance. As confirmed by Malaysian communications minister Fahmi Fadzil, should the band fail to comply with the ideology and beliefs of the country; the switch will cut off the power to the instruments, sound systems and other equipment, a course of action that has been agreed upon in cooperation with the concert’s organiser Live Nation.

Coldplay at Croke Park in 2017.

Fahmi has, however, expressed that he does not foresee any circumstances in which the band should step out of line mid-performance, particularly considering the Chris Martin-fronted band's outspoken support for those in Gaza amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

The communications minister was confident that the switch would not need to be used, saying: “The prime minister has also said the band you know, is very supportive of Palestine. So, we are upbeat about the concert today..."

Live Nation Malaysia urged concertgoers to "be mindful of local culture and sensitivities in Malaysia."

The switch and subsequent concern around live shows in the country, follow recent backlash caused by The 1975, who sparked controversy when frontman Matty Healy critiqued the country's anti-gay laws in a pre-song monologue, before kissing bandmate and bassist Ross MacDonald.

The band's performance resulted in the cancelling of the Good Vibes music festival in Kuala Lumpur,  for which Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy, The Strokes and Ty Dollar $ign, amongst some 43 local and international performers were also billed. The band have also since been banned from returning to Malaysia. "There will be no compromise against any party that challenges, disparages and violates Malaysian laws..." Fahmi wrote in a Twitter post in response to the controversy.

The 1975 at St. Anne's Park. Wednesday 7th of June 2023. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

As homosexuality is a crime in Muslim-majority Malaysia, rights groups have warned of growing intolerance against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, as a result of the widespread publicity of the occurrence. "Matt Healy undoubtedly just made it worse for queer Malaysians who actually live here, and have to face the consequences because we all know our politicians are gonna use this to further their agenda," Carmen Rose, a Malaysian drag queen and performer, said on Twitter.

Concerns surrounding tonight’s show also come as some residents have criticised the band for their open support of the LGBTQ+ community. As highlighted by ABC News, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim justified allowing the concert, telling Parliament that “Coldplay is actually among the bands that support Palestine."

However, some have criticised the stance, calling for the event to be cancelled completely, due to the band's supposed encouragement of hedonism.

“This is not about whether they purely support the Palestinian cause or not but the issue of hedonism culture that they bring to our community,” said information chief of PAS, Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, in Parliament.

As of the time of publishing, Coldplay's gig is expected to proceed as planned, although security has reportedly been increased ahead of the 75,000 concert-goers arriving at the stadium.