I AM writing in response to the issue of the on-off ban on Canadian pop star Avril Lavigne, which has left Malaysian fans feeling angry.

Fans are happy to know that the concert will go on after all.

Kudos to the those who gave the green light for the Aug 29 gig.

Since the Avril concert ban has made headlines around the world, it has left many Malaysians questioning what democracy and freedom of expression is all about.

A friend in England wondered how Avril could be considered “indecent” or “a bad influence” to the point of being banned.

She said Avril was one of the few female artistes who can truly sell her voice and talent rather than rely on her looks or dance moves.

Her songs are meaningful and display her talent in songwriting.

Why ban a talented singer like Avril who can sell music without resorting to selling her looks and indecency?

The news that the concert was given the green light shows there is still a ray of hope for talented foreign acts from different musical genres to be able to perform on Malaysian soil.

I hope this incident will not repeat itself, otherwise it will only drive away good foreign artistes to perform elsewhere in Asia.

CHRISTOPHER K. BIRCHKuala Lumpur

Source: NST – August 26, 2008