Selena Gomez Can Perform in Malaysia Because ‘Sexiness Is God’s Work’

Selena Gomez has done her best to abandon her Disney beginnings by giving her image a super-sexy overhaul — but it seems that not everyone is impressed with her makeover.

According to the music blog IQ, the pop singer’s upcoming performance in Selangor, Malaysia, was in jeopardy because the youth wing of the powerful Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) isn’t down with her skimpy stage outfits and suggestive lyrics. Part of the criticism is that the concert is slated to take place on Monday, July 25 — which falls in the Islamic month of Shawwal, during which the religious holiday of Hari Raya also occurs.

Word is that the party’s youth chairman, Hafez Sabri, was in talks with the Selangor Islamic Religious Council, claiming that Gomez’s “sexy appearance” has the capability to “damage the faith, worship, and morals of Muslims” and could “revive a culture of hedonism among [Malaysia’s] younger generation.” Sabri said that the star’s visit will “tarnish the glory” of Shawwal.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Malaysia has a fairly long history of banning musicians from playing within its borders. As far back as the early ’90s, the band Chicago wasn’t allowed to perform because some of its members had long hair. Beyoncé canceled her 2007 concert after refusing to change her revealing costumes for the country, while Kesha and Erykah Badu have also seen their shows canceled. Other artists who’ve had run-ins with Malaysian authorities over their image and lyrics include Gwen Stefani, Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Avril Lavigne, and the Black Eyed Peas. Both Elton John’s and Adam Lambert’s performances have been protested because the artists are gay, and Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Madonna, and Shakira are all banned from appearing there, ever.

But thankfully for Malaysia’s Selenators, Gomez’s show will go on. On Tuesday, Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, Selangor’s menteri besar (chief minister), announced that there was no reason to cancel her concert because every month — not just Shawwal — should be treated with equal respect, and also, “sexiness is God’s creation” — which is maybe the best and truest thing I’ve heard all year.

The menteri besar’s full quote: “Sexiness is God’s creation and subjective. Do not be overexcited by it; most (of her fans) are drawn by the song lyrics delivered by the particular singer.” Amen to that.

In other news, Selena Gomez turns 24 tomorrow. Selamat hari lahir, Selena!

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