August 11, 2006 11:28

Pussycat Dolls cause controversy in Malaysia

Authorities claim 'gross indecency'

Organisers of a Pussycat Dolls show have been fined for flouting decency laws in Malaysia.

On Tuesday (August 8) the band’s promoters Absolute Entertainment were charged 10,000 Ringgits (£1,436) for allowing the band to perform “sexually suggestive” routines.

The fine was the result of an article published in the Malay Mail that quoted Culture Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Mohamad Arif Abdul Rahman as saying: "I believe the way the Pussycat Dolls behaved onstage amounted to gross indecency."

No officials were present at the concert, which took place at Sunway Lagoon theme park, south of Kuala Lumpur.

However, the fine has been reduced by 50 per cent.

“The compound notice issued was for RM10,000, but it’s only payable if the matter goes to court. As the organisers settled the fine early, they were entitled to a 50 per cent discount,” Rahman said yesterday (August 10).