Malaysia hasn't always been so popular at hosting big concerts, unlike neighbouring countries like Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Hong Kong.

For instance Taylor Swift, who is set to perform multiple shows in Singapore, completely skipping Malaysia, or Coldplay, who sold out their one-night concert in Kuala Lumpur in November, and only extended their concert dates in Singapore.

The list also includes Beyoncé, Harry Styles, Sam Smith, Adele, Charlie Puth, most of whom are heading to many other countries in Asia, except Malaysia.

"It's depressing. 

"Whether it's K-pop, whether it's Coldplay, whether it's Taylor Swift, we should open up our doors to the world because when they pick Malaysia as a destination of choice, Malaysia becomes a destination of choice for entertainment tourism. 

"I see the value in entertainment tourism, and we cannot afford to lose out on things like this," said Syed Saddiq. 

Addressing the topic of entertainment tax in Malaysia, he shared that he gets frustrated as it is extremely high, making it difficult for organisers to make money. 

"When I was Minister of Youth and Sports, one of the first things I did [was table] a cabinet paper to waive entertainment tax when events are hosted in Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, and Sepang International Circuit. 

"Why? Besides the bureaucracy, we have a 25% entertainment tax!

"You think it's easy for these concert organizers to make money if you have a 25% entertainment tax? While in other countries like Singapore, they are clever. They don't even wait for Taylor Swift to come. 

"Their inter-ministries, like two or three agencies, came together, pulled a fund, went abroad, and signed all-exclusive deals to come to Singapore and perform [for] five or six days. We have a lot to learn," he said.

For more on what he said, watch his TikTok down below.