The announcement of Coldplay’s upcoming Music Of The Spheres World Tour stop in Malaysia, many more conservative Malaysians were in an uproar due to the band’s stance on being allies towards the LGBTQIA+ community.
Since then, the local government has taken a stand by raiding a number of Swatch stores across Malaysia over their Pride collection.
Based on a report by Options The Edge, the authorities were notified of the rainbow-coloured collection, which signify diversity and inclusivity, via a Facebook post.
The netizen wrote, “There’s no need to wait for Coldplay. Whoever is wearing these Swatch watches can throw them away now!”
Since then, the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) has raided Swatch stores in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, One Utama, Sunway Pyramid, Setia City Mall, Mid Valley Megamall, Southkey, Sunway Putra Mall, Sogo KL, Queensbay, Fahrenheit 88 and Suria Sabah, in order to confiscate Swatch’s Pride collection watches.
Outlets in KTCC (Terengganu), Aeon KB, Aman Central Kedah, City Square and Viva City Kuching also received warnings in regards to this.
The CEO of Swatch Group, Nick Hayek Jr. has since shared his disbelief over the seizures and doubled down on the brand’s ethos of championing innovation and diversity.
“Swatch is proud of being the canvas on the wrist for all people worldwide and many artists working with us. Creativity and colours paired with Swiss-made quality is what we are loved for. We strongly contest that our collection of watches using rainbow colours and having a message of peace and love could be harmful for whomever.”
“On the contrary, Swatch always promotes a positive message of joy in life. This is nothing political. We wonder how the Bahagian Penguatkuasa dan Kawalan, Kementerian Dalam Negeri will confiscate the many beautiful natural rainbows that are showing up thousand times a year in the sky of Malaysia,” he said.
The brand has since appealed for their seized watches to be returned.
What do you think about this? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
Also read: FAM Scolds Stadium Authorities for Disturbing Football Match by Booking Coldplay Concert
