Dangdut star wants answers, show called off in JB

Indonesian dangdut sensation Inul Daratista is seeking an explanation from organiser IMS Prima Sdn Bhd over the cancellation of her concert which was scheduled to be held today at Stadium Tan Sri Haji Hassan Yunos in Larkin, Johor Baru.

Billed Konsert Inul Live in JB, the concert was called off after district officer Jaafar Awang refused to issue a permit to the organiser on July 10. A subsequent appeal by the organiser was also turned down.

IMS Prima has now slated the concert for July 27 at Stadium Putra in Bukit Jalil. But a visibly upset Inul, speaking at a press conference here yesterday, said she did not know if she could make the new date.

Journalists, covering the event, were taken by surprise when Inul nearly fainted while walking out. She had to be supported by several people.

Earlier, Inul said all she was asking for was to be given "clear justification" from the authorities on why the show in Johor Baru was cancelled.

"I've done nothing wrong and as far as media coverage is concerned, the local media members have been supportive," said a teary-eyed Inul, who was escorted by her publicity officer, Menasari Hassan.

"What's shocking is that I wasn't informed about the postponement until I reached Kuala Lumpur today.

"I'm uncertain if I'm able to perform on July 27 as I have to discuss it with my manager," Inul added.

Her manager-husband, Adam Suseno, who was not present in Kuala Lumpur had, however, confirmed her participation for the Bukit Jalil show after he was contacted during the press conference.

Inul arrived in Singapore with a 16-member entourage comprising musicians and publicity officers earlier yesterday before she was driven to Kuala Lumpur to attend the press conference.

IMS Prima director Nasir Abubakar said he was perplexed that the Johor Baru show was cancelled.

"I don't think it has anything to do with Inul's image. When my management queried about the matter, we didn't receive any explanation.

"I even had a private meeting with Jaafar on Wednesday but he was still adamant that the show couldn't go on," he said, adding that the company suffered a loss of RM300,000 due to the cancellation.

Inul, who is famous for her "killer gyration" or gelek gerudi is no stranger in Malaysia.

The singer, whose upbeat tune, Goyang Inul is popular here, enthralled local audiences in a series of concerts between 2005 and last year.

The Bukit Jalil concert will also feature several local bands, including the all-female outfit Candy and Abstrak Hingga Kebulan, as opening acts.

By : Hafidah Samat in www.asiaone.com