Malaysia used to be home to some of the best art, music and entertainment festivals in Asia. From Future Music Festival Asia (FMFA) to Arthur’s Day, we wouldn’t even have to go months until the next event.

So what happened?

Ever since the deaths of 6 people at the FMFA 2014, the authorities have come to the conclusion that removing a situation seems better than fixing a problem.

Let’s break it down a little. The deaths at the last FMFA held in Malaysia were caused by heatstroke, though the authorities were quick to blame it on drugs due to the presence of ecstasy and MDMA in the victims’ systems (the dosage found in their systems were lower than the average recreational level of 0.1 to 0.25 microgram to millilitre).

What many don’t know is the fact that there were also multiple others who were taken to hospitals due to heatstroke, some of which had no substance in their bodies, according to doctors. Medical reports ended up contradicting police reports stating that the deaths were due to drugs.

Thus begs the question. Why cancel festivals?

I mean, sure, they charge a hefty amount just for bottled water, causing many to choose alcohol for the price instead but wouldn’t the organisers rather cooperate with the authorities by either drastically lowering water prices or just giving out bottled water for free instead of just shutting down the festival as a whole?

Unless, the organisers were not given a choice.

Well, the past is in the past, what we can do now is at least do our best to change the future.

The launch of the Visit Malaysia 2020 initiative saw a reporter approach our Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, regarding the cancellations of literally all music, arts and entertainment events since FMFA, to which our beloved Prime Minister responded, “it (the cancellations) does not represent the voice of the nation, but the people also need to make their voices heard”.

Responding to this comment, a petition has since been heavily circulated on the Malaysian web, calling for 15,000 signatures in order to call attention to the majority of people who would love to see Malaysia come alive with these events once again.

The objective of the petition?

1. To acknowledge that the public wants more arts and culture, concert and festival activities to take place in Malaysia.
2. To not cave to the request of the minority as the false voice of the nation.
3. To improve the current policy and regulatory framework to allow for more arts and culture, live festivals and concerts to take place in the country.

Bringing back these events will not only help Malaysia gain international exposure, but it can also bring in additional tourism, which can eventually lead to the betterment of our economy. We used to bring in tourists with spending power, who were willing to travel over land and sea to come for these festivals.

Now the only tourists we get are the ones who can’t leave our country because they need financial help from us to fund their travels.

I mean, think about it, didn’t our currency and economy’s decline start somewhere around the time when these festivals started getting cancelled? I know there are a lot of factors that play into the well-being of the economy, but hey, these events can at least help improve our economic standing again, right?

To sign the petition, click here.

The petition has already garnered over 12,130 signatures.

Wouldn’t it be nice to not be disappointed that your favourite artist skipped Malaysia again?