‘Hosting of Swift’s concert never offered to Malaysia’
that the government failed to secure Taylor Swift’s lucrative Eras Tour despite initiating contacts with the superstar’s representatives in 2022 are not true.
Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim said the country was never offered to host the event under a joint contract with Sportswork Group Sdn Bhd.
“The concert was never offered to Malaysia under the joint contract with Sportswork, Malaysia Stadium Corporation (PSM) and United States-based company ASM Global.
“Hence, what was reported is entirely wrong. The contract signed in early 2023 was only to support overall venue management.”
Adam Adli also hit out at those who were blaming his ministry for being unable to secure Swift’s concert, saying such things did not fall under the ministry’s purview.
He said any request to organise concerts or performances would fall under different ministries.
“In terms of organising (the concert), it is not our responsibility to do so. The request to organise any performance is the responsibility of other ministries.
“We are only responsible for providing the venue or accommodation, and facilitating any matters involving the logistics and so on. Hence, this is our stand on the matter,” he said during minister’s question time.
Adam Adli was responding to a supplementary question from Chong Zhemin (PH-Kampar), who enquired about the ministry’s explanation over Malaysia’s non-aggressive measure to secure the Eras Tour, resulting in missed opportunities and the loss of potential revenue.
Earlier this week, it was reported that the country had the opportunity to host Swift in 2022, but ultimately lost the chance to Singapore a year later.
It was reported that Swift’s tour was being considered by the government after a contract was signed with a US venue management company in 2022 to revamp Kuala Lumpur Sports City in Bukit Jalil into a centre for sports and live entertainment.
ASM Global, which is Swift’s concert promoter, was said to have collaborated with Sportswork to improve operations, organise events, enhance visitor experience, implement advanced technology and upgrade food and beverage offerings.
Yesterday, Bersatu legal and constitution bureau deputy chairman Sasha Lyna Abdul Latiff had called for the unity government to answer for the country’s failure to secure Swift’s highly anticipated Eras Tour.
She had said an explanation over the missed economic opportunity must also be provided by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
She had also claimed that communications had been initiated between the government and Swift’s concert promoter as far back as 2022.
Despite this, Malaysia was unable to seal the deal, while neighbouring Singapore successfully secured the tour, she said.