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| Universal Music MY Removes DOLLA’s “Question” MV, Igniting National Debate on Censorship (Photo: Instagram) |
DOLLA’s long-awaited comeback has taken an unexpected turn after their latest music video, Question, was quietly removed from all major platforms. What was meant to be a confident, polished return for the girl group has instead sparked a nationwide conversation on censorship, artistic freedom, and the double standards female performers continue to face.
On 15 November 2025, Universal Music Malaysia released an official statement confirming the takedown. According to the label, the decision followed mounting complaints from political and religious voices claiming the outfits and visuals in Question were too provocative for Malaysian audiences.
UMM stated that the choice to remove the video entirely was made “after a thorough review of public feedback and overall sentiment”.
Managing director Kim Lim explained that the company aimed to preserve harmony and respect within Malaysia’s multicultural society, noting that the label wanted to act responsibly amid rising criticism.
The music video was removed from YouTube, social platforms, and streaming sites within hours of the announcement.
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| Universal Music MY Pulls DOLLA’s “Question” MV, Setting Off Major Debate Over Censorship in Malaysia |
Netizens Split: Fair Move or Unnecessary Censorship?
Predictably, online reactions swung sharply in both directions.
Many iDOLLAs were frustrated, insisting that the video contained nothing out of the ordinary compared with what global artists – and even some local acts – have released over the years.
Several argued that the group had been unfairly scrutinised simply because they are young women, while others questioned why similar videos from male or mixed-gender acts have never received the same level of policing.
Some netizens accused authorities of focusing too much on controlling artistic expression rather than tackling larger issues that directly affect society.
Others highlighted the ongoing inconsistency in censorship standards, pointing out that scenes in local television dramas and films have often been more daring yet continue to air without issue.
Here’s what the members wore in the MV:
@dollaofficial Siapakah namanya❓ "QUESTION" OUT NOW ON ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS. #DOLLA #QUESTION ♬ original sound - Dolla Official
Double Standards in the Spotlight
A recurring sentiment across social platforms was that DOLLA might have become easy targets.
Fans argued that the criticism was disproportionate compared with the actual content of the music video.
Many also questioned why the group was subjected to immediate public pressure while other entertainment products containing bold or suggestive elements have never been met with similar demands for removal.
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The debate also reignited discussions about how female artists frequently bear the brunt of moral policing, especially regarding their outfits and performance styles.
With the MV no longer accessible, attention now shifts to how DOLLA and UMM will move forward.
Some fans hope for a revised version to be re-uploaded, while others believe the group should continue promoting the single without adjusting their artistic direction.
Regardless of what happens next, the incident has already opened up bigger conversations about the future of creative freedom in Malaysia’s entertainment scene — and whether the country’s censorship standards are keeping pace with modern audiences.
Source: Instagram/TikTok