Club and restaurant owners in Kazakhstan have sent a peculiar letter to the pop legend Michael Jackson. The businessmen from the Karaganda region are wondering whether the star receives royalties from the Ministry of Justice in Kazakhstan.

It all started when the government imposed fees for playing Jackson’s music in clubs, cafes and restaurants.

The ministry claims the charges are aimed at protecting intellectual property rights and apply to all recorded music – not just Michael Jackson’s.

However, the president of the Central Kazakh Association of Businessmen remains unconvinced. Tolgat Doskenov suspects it’s all about raising revenue.

“It’s a good sign that our government is concerned about intellectual property protection,” Doskenov said.

“However, we are now witnessing an absurd situation,” Doskenov adds. “Is it really a violation of an author’s rights when an employee in a restaurant turns on music and enjoys it?” he asks.

Doskenov explained that the entrepreneurs sent the letter to Jackson because they want to know whether the singer has ever received royalties from Kazakhstan. They suspect he hasn't.

They are accusing the Kazakh authorities of using ‘music taxes’ as a way of getting money out of the leisure industry.