The nation has drawn ire from neighbouring regions because the Singapore government struck an exclusive deal with concert organisers to make sure that it is the only place in Southeast Asia where the superstar performs.
However, it has now been revealed that the claims that the government failed to secure the tour despite contact having being initiated in 2022 are false.
As reported by NST, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim said, "The concert was never offered to Malaysia under the joint contract with Sportswork, Malaysia Stadium Corporation (PSM), and US-based company ASM Global. Hence, what was reported is entirely wrong. The contract signed in early 2023 was only to support overall venue management."
Earlier in the week, it was reported that Malaysia had the opportunity to host Taylor in 2022, but ultimately lost the chance to Singapore in 2023.
It was also reported that Swift 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, Swift's concert promoter, was said to have collaborated with Sportswork to improve operations, organise events, enhance visitor experiences, implement advanced technology, and upgrade food & beverage offerings.
Why didn't we get it?
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On 6 March, Bersatu legal and constitution bureau deputy chairman Sasha Lyna Abdul Latiff had called for the unity government to answer for Malaysia's failure in securing the tour.
She had said an explanation over the missed economic opportunity must also be provided by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
She claimed that communications were initiated between the Malaysian government and Taylor Swift's concert promoter as far back as 2022 and despite this, Malaysia was unable to play host to the tour.
Singapore PM
It all started when Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin had claimed that Singapore paid Taylor up to $3 million per show (RM14.09 million) on the condition of exclusivity to perform in the country.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has responded to criticism as reported by CNN, “[Our] agencies negotiated an arrangement with her to come to Singapore and perform and to make Singapore her only stop in Southeast Asia.
Certain incentives were provided to her, and a deal was reached. It has turned out to be a very successful arrangement. I don’t see that as being unfriendly. If we had not made such an arrangement, would she have come to more places in Southeast Asia? Maybe, maybe not?”
Taylor’s team has not responded to the controversy.
We guess it’s just yet another artist who didn’t even consider stopping by Malaysia to begin with *cries*.
Image credit: @taylorswift, sasha lyna Facebook