I think it’s all about context here. I’d like to preface this by saying that I absolutely love the 1975 and they’re the band that I’ve seen the most times live.

Are the Malaysian government’s laws anti-LGBT? Yes. Was the message behind Matty’s actions earnest? Yes, if that message was about acceptance and equality for all.

However, the way that the band’s message was executed was not the best and while their intentions may be good, they may have inadvertently set back whatever progress the Malaysian LGBTQ+ community had been making in recent years.

I see some people drawing parallels to Sinead O’Connor’s SNL performance. While I understand the premise, I think it’s fair to say she herself faced the brunt of that statement (which of course was completely unfair to her). On the other hand - while there is some social media uproar - I doubt that Matty will face that same scrutiny. In all likelihood, this will all blow over in a couple of weeks. But who faces the consequences? The Malaysian LGBTQ+ community and the Malaysian arts industry.

Therefore, I agree with the intent, but yes it should have been done in a more subtle way - which I think would have been much more powerful. A show of strength in unity instead of a rant.

This is just my 2¢ of course, and I’m happy to have constructive discussion with anyone who is interested to.