Bruno Mars concert in Malaysia in crosshairs of anti-Israel boycott

“Mars should step in and condemn the Israeli government, as there have been numerous instances where the Israeli military has committed atrocities against Palestinians.

“To remain silent on this matter means you are ignorant or complicit,” the 24-year-old said.

Alia Alias, a mental health therapist and corporate trainer, shares a similar sentiment stating that she refused to buy tickets despite being a big fan of Mars.

“I didn’t think much about the concert at first until I saw BDS Malaysia’s statement.

“I know the organization does research, that’s why I choose not to go,” Alia, 35, said.

She said canceling the Mars concert would not be a big deal.

“We have (British-Albanian singer) Dua Lipa and (American pop rock band) Lany coming to see us, and I’m sure they’ll catch up,” Alia said.

However, she doubted the concert would be canceled just because people were angry with Mars.

“These things take a lot of planning. But I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a mini-protest outside the venue,” she added.

Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) Malaysia, a non-violent Palestinian movement that promotes boycott, divestment and economic sanctions against Israel, called for a boycott of the concert.

He says Mars has remained silent on the ongoing Israeli aggression in Palestine and even performed in Tel Aviv last October.

A university student who wanted to be known as Matt, however, said the concert should go ahead because Mars had never expressed support for the Israeli military.

“I think the boycott should only apply to public figures who actively support the Zionist regime,” he said.

Matt said the cancellation of the Mars concert would be more of a loss to Malaysia than to the artist himself.

“He’s a very big star. Cancelling this concert would simply be a missed opportunity for our country,” he said.

On June 21, concert promoter Live Nation announced that Mars would stage a one-night show at Bukit Jalil National Stadium.

Mars – who is known for hits such as Grenade, Just the way you are And Versace on the floor – last played in Malaysia in 2018.