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Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman weighed in on the news that British band Coldplay broke records by selling out six shows at the Singapore National Stadium.
On the same day that the band announced tickets had been completely sold out, the MUDA member of Parliament weighed in on the implications that the Coldplay shows would have for the Singaporean economy.
Syed Saddiq's Twitter
"Coldplay is doing a 6 DAYS tour in Singapore.
Last night was 5 days, today adds one more date!
What's our story? Want to have one show (here in Malaysia), there's already many obstacles.
But what does it have to do with Malaysia? We actually missed an economic LOTTERY,
And here's why. This is a thread."
The former minister of youth and sports did a numbers breakdown, with a stadium capacity of about 50,000, and with tickets going at an average of RM600 (S$175), that gives sales of about RM180 million (S$52.5 million).
Screenshot from Syed Saddiq's Twitter
He added that there were Malaysians who did not succeed in getting a ticket (like himself), but there were people from many different countries who would certainly seize the opportunity to go to Singapore just to see Coldplay.
Syed Saddiq then delved into the logistics of these visitors spending money on flights to visit Singapore.
While here, some of these Coldplay fans would also stay for a few more days instead of just flying in and out solely for the show.
Spending on meals, sightseeing and other expenses in Singapore would generate a "huge amount of money", he said.
"My point is,
While we're over here arguing over Malaysia hosting concerts,
Countries out there are grabbing golden chances to generate economic surplus.
We used to do about 40-50 concerts a year!
Now? More obstacles & complaints.
Malaysia cannot continue to miss out on this opportunity."
Coldplay is performing one show in Malaysia at Bukit Jalil National Stadium on Nov. 22 later this year.
Malaysian opposition to international performers
While demand for tickets was high (leading to complaints about scalpers), at least one prominent Malaysian politician called for the show to be cancelled.
Nasrudin Hasan, from the opposition Malaysian Islamist Party (PAS), asked if the government wanted to cultivate a culture of "hedonism and perversion" in Malaysia.
The stinging attack was apparently inspired by Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin holding a rainbow flag at a Wembley Stadium show in London, showing his support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Martin later released a video seemingly acknowledging the controversy.
While other Malaysian politicians pushed back against Nasrudin's comments and welcomed Coldplay, including Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, a non-profit group blamed "political protests" as a reason why international acts do not perform more shows in Malaysia.
Members of PAS, which is the single largest party in Malaysia's parliament, previously protested shows by Korean act Blackpink and American singers Billie Eilish and Selena Gomez.
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Top image from Syed Saddiq and Coldplay Facebook.