AP Reports that Malaysia Bows to the CCP's Pressure and Cancels Divine Performing Arts Show

(Clearwisdom.net) AP published an article on March 24, 2008, stating that the Malaysian government, under pressure from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), canceled the Divine Performing Arts Chinese Spectacular scheduled to stage [on March 22-23] in Malaysia. The article said that about 20 people who had bought tickets for the weekend show protested on March 24 outside the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage (abbr. Ministry of Culture) which issued the order to cancel the Divine Performing Arts performance.

An official from the Malaysia's Ministry of Culture said, "The ministry revoked the show's permit because the Chinese Embassy complained that the organizers--U.S.-based New Tang Dynasty Television station--were supporters of Falun Gong."

This official, who declined to be named said, "The show is nothing, but we're scared of the influence behind it. We have to take care of our relationship with China. It's very important."

The article stated, "Wong Mei Yee, project manager with NTDTV, blasted Malaysia's decision. She acknowledged that parts of the performance hinted at the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners 'in an artistic way' but said that should not matter."

"'Whether it's related to Falun Gong or not, it's legal,'Wong said of the dance performance. 'They don't have the right to interfere like this.'"

The article said that Falun Gong is legal in Malaysia and there are some local practitioners.

"The March 22-23 show titled 'Chinese Spectacular' was to have been performed by an international cast from Australia, Canada, China, Germany, the U.S. and other countries. The show features different ethnic dances and stories from China's dynasties.

"Wong said 2,000 tickets had been sold for the two performances. The cancellation cost organizers about $31,800.

"NTDTV is refunding the tickets, but people from Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, and Singapore, who had already booked their flights, had still traveled to Kuala Lumpur, Wong said."

Lawrence Koh, a 62-year-old Australian had bought 20 tickets for him and his Malaysian relatives. He said, "I'm disappointed. (Malaysia) is a democratic country. This is a disgrace that Malaysia should bow to the pressure of China like that."

Chinese version available at http://minghui.ca/mh/articles/2008/3/27/175268.html

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