Pahang PAS Youth has protested against Elton John's Greatest Hits Tour concert, scheduled for November 22, 2011 in Genting Highlands, saying the performance by the “gay singer” was considered “incompatible” with Malaysian culture.

Its chairman Shahril Azman Abdul Halim said in Harakah Daily on October 24, 2011 that “even though it is meant to entertain his fans, the international singing icon would have a negative influence on the younger generation. The authorities are aware that the culture of hedonism or excessive and extreme entertainment is spreading swiftly, like poison, among young Muslims. It is this culture such as free intermingling, drinking, adultery and illegitimate children - that often damages a society and causes people to neglect their responsibilities to their religion. This is made worse by the practise of homosexuality. We cannot imagine how the youth will receive it, especially when the authorities failed to restrict it from the start," he said.

This is the first time that Elton will be performing in Malaysia. Shahril urged the authorities to put a stop to the concert and stem moral decay in society. MCA central committee member Loh Seng Kok , however, described PAS' proposal as extreme. “We are only interested in his music,” he said. “But, PAS is making Malaysia a laughing stock in the eyes of the world.” Loh said such concerts helped earn tourism revenue and also enabled Malaysians to watch world-class acts. He urged the promoters to ignore PAS as the party was not reflective of the Malaysian majority.

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