Malaysia to enforce decency guidelines after pop concert

A "sexually suggestive" performance by the Pussycat Dolls has led the government of Malaysia to enforce stricter guidelines for foreign artists.

The government made the announcement after a local city council levied a $2,000 US fine on organizers of a concert for allowing the six-member girl group to wear skimpy outfits and to perform in a sexually suggestive manner.

"We have to have guidelines," said Siti Zaleha, a senior official at the Culture and Arts ministry. "We have enforcement officers that will check acts, and report to the relevant authorities for action."

The Pussycat Dolls, known for their hits Don't Cha and Buttons, began as a burlesque act before reinventing themselves into a pop act. They played a sold-out show in an arena in Malaysia, considered a moderate Muslim nation.

Guidelines for foreign artists were initially drawn up last year, Siti said. They include: no hugging or kissing audience members or fellow artists; no jumping, shouting or throwing objects onstage or at the audience; and strict guidelines for how much skin can be shown which for a female performer covers from the top of her chest to her knees.

Now sponsors of the shows will have to sign a form accepting the guidelines and be responsible for informing performers of the rules, Siti said.

When Linkin Park performed in 2003, the Ministry of Culture and Arts told them not to wear shorts, scream or behave in a raunchy manner. Mariah Carey was also told to "dress accordingly" for her concert.

Rock band INXS, featuring Canadian singer and reality-show winner JD Fortune, is scheduled to perform in Kuala Lumpur on Aug. 18.