Beyonce scraps Kuala Lumpur show for Jakarta, cites less strict rules

Sean Yoong, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Beyonce Knowles has scrapped plans to stage her first concert in Muslim-majority Malaysia and will instead perform in neighbouring Indonesia.

International Creative Management, her Los Angeles-based talent agency, said Knowles' Nov. 1 date in Kuala Lumpur was cancelled "due to a scheduling conflict."

The announcement followed recent speculation that Knowles - who is famous for her sexy image and skimpy outfits - was reluctant to fulfil the Malaysian government's demand for female performers to cover up from the top of their chests to their knees, including their shoulders.

Indonesia, also Muslim, has less stringent rules about how performers should dress and behave.

"It is with regret that we announce the cancellation of The Beyonce Experience World Tour in Kuala Lumpur," said the ICM statement, which was made available Monday by Malaysian entertainment organizers Pineapple Concerts. "It was to mark the very first time the performer would bring her show to Malaysia."

Knowles, 26, will perform in Jakarta on Nov. 1.

Pineapple Concerts Chairman Razlan Ahmad Razali said his company, which has brought Western acts such as Kanye West and Earth, Wind and Fire to Malaysia, was "disappointed and frustrated."

"Though Indonesia is also a Muslim country, it doesn't have all these issues that we have," Razlan told The Associated Press. "She can perform as she likes there."

Concert promoters have said Western performers face mounting pressure in Malaysia to keep skimpy clothes and steamy dance moves off the stage amid protests by conservative Muslims who believe liberal Western performances can corrupt young people.

Gwen Stefani made what she called "a major sacrifice" in August by wearing clothes that revealed little skin at a Kuala Lumpur stadium concert after Muslim students and activists called for the performance to be cancelled due to the singer's sultry reputation.

Sony BMG Music Entertainment is the parent company of Columbia Recording Corp., Knowles' record label.

© The Canadian Press, 2007