Malaysia Allows Avril Lavigne to Hold Concert

According to Reuters, Malaysia has reversed a decision to nix Avril Lavigne's concert after protests by an Islamic party. The concert was supposed to be on August 29, two days earlier than Malaysia's 51st Independence Day, and that didn't seem to go well with the masses.

When Parti se-Islam Malaysia opposed the concert, saying that mainly Muslim Malaysia should not mirror Western culture so much, the government asked the concert promoters to change the date of the concert. Although Malaysia has sizeable non-Muslim populations, conservative groups still often frown upon too much departure from the teachings and interpretations of the Koran.

"In giving the approval, the cabinet also instructed the ministry to monitor the concert to ensure that the performances do not clash with the Malaysian culture and values," Malaysia's Arts and Culture Minister Mohamad Shafie Apdal was quoted saying.

According to Reuters, Beyonce Knowles axed her debut Malaysian concert in protest against the country's super strict dress code and over fears of Muslim outcries and protests.

Gwen Stefani chose to go ahead with her performance last year, despite calls from Muslim students saying that the concert was too obscene and that it should be canceled.