GEORGE TOWN: Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Wan Salim Mohd Noor has urged the government to cancel the permit for a concert by pop star Ed Sheeran, who is a known supporter of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

       "As mufti, it is my responsibility to urge the Malaysian government, through the relevant ministries (Communication Ministry and Digital Ministry) to revoke the permit for the concert immediately," he was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian on Wednesday (Jan 31).

       He urged the ministries concerned to respect the Islamic stance given by muftis, adding that the prohibition on LGBT activities are not a scholarly interpretation (ijtihad) but based on explicit texts in the Quran and hadith.

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       Wan Salim said Malaysia, as a nation with a predominantly Muslim population, should not allow concerts featuring artists who support sinful activities.

       He also urged all Muslims in this country to boycott the concert.

       The 32-year-old British singer is slated to perform at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur on Feb 24 as part of his "+-=÷x Asia Tour", which will also feature guest singer-songwriter Calum Scott.

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       Sheeran previously held a concert in Malaysia in 2019 for his "Divide" world tour.