Just this morning, we’ve shared news about Angkatan Wanita Amanah Nasional (Awan) wanting to ban Spanish sensation “Despacito” from playing on Malaysian radio.. and well, sh*t just got real very quickly.
The Malaysian communications and multimedia ministry has now effectively banned Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s song from all government-owned RTM television and radio channels.
The reason? The song’s sexually explicit lyrics that could inflict negative behaviour, especially amongst the younger generation, who make up the majority of radio listeners.
A part of the lyrics on “Despacito” translates to: “Let me breathe your neck slowly, Let me undress you with kisses slowly, sign the walls of your labyrinth, and make your whole body a manuscript.”
Minister Salleh Said Keruak mentioned that radio stations should take into consideration local norms and apply self-censorship when it comes to music, whether it involves erasing a part of a song or not play it at all.
But.. Wouldn’t eliminating certain parts of the song alter the essence of the song altogether?
The Latin single boasts over 2 billion views on YouTube and has taken the world by storm, even in Malaysia, sparking a slew of parodies. Damn..
[Source]