KUALA LUMPUR – Seputeh MP Teresa Kok has called on PAS and Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh to move beyond opposing tourism-related events and instead offer constructive proposals to help strengthen the country’s tourism sector ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.
In a statement shared on her Facebook page today, Kok criticised both parties for their strong objections to the Rain Rave Water Music Festival 2026, which is scheduled to take place in Bukit Bintang.
“I urge PAS and Dr Akmal to stop merely objecting and instead present constructive proposals to attract foreign tourists and stimulate the local economy,” she said.
She noted that while PAS and Dr Akmal have been vocal in their opposition, they have yet to put forward viable alternatives.
Kok stressed that Malaysia needs fresh and engaging events to draw international visitors, especially as the country prepares for Visit Malaysia 2026. She added that criticism without solutions would do little to support the nation’s tourism ambitions.
She also took aim at PAS’s track record in managing tourism, pointing to a decline in visitor numbers in Langkawi.
“Look at the situation in Langkawi; poor governance by the state government has led to a significant decline in both foreign and domestic tourist arrivals,” she said.
According to Kok, foreign tourists come to Malaysia for leisure, entertainment, and to experience the country’s vibrant culture.
She warned that excessive restrictions and moral policing could damage Malaysia’s reputation as a tourist-friendly destination.
“The majority of foreign tourists visit Malaysia to relax, seek entertainment, and experience the vibrancy of urban culture,” she added.
Kok said that if PAS and Dr Akmal oppose street concerts and music festivals, they should propose alternative programmes capable of attracting millions of tourists.
“Our focus now should be on economic growth and the success of Visit Malaysia 2026, not on the politics of opposition,” she said.
Earlier, the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) issued a statement formally objecting to the Rain Rave Water Music Festival 2026.
Jawi said the event had the potential to lead to “moral degradation and the erosion of societal values.” The department urged organisers to reconsider the programme, taking into account Malaysia’s multiracial, multireligious, and multicultural sensitivities.
It stressed that while Islam does not reject entertainment entirely, such activities must remain within boundaries prescribed by Islamic teachings.
Jawi also announced that special prayers and Yasin recitations would be held at mosques across Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan.
The department further called on all parties to ensure that entertainment programmes do not include elements that could offend religious sensitivities or undermine public morality.
This stance was echoed by Akmal, who said, “previously, ministry programmes served alcohol. Now, a ministry-organised water festival looks more like a disco in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.”
Meanwhile, Umno has also urged the government to reassess events such as the Rain Rave Water Music Festival to ensure they align with Malaysia’s cultural values, religious sensitivities, and societal norms.
Umno president and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said all public programmes must respect local traditions, uphold community values, and remain sensitive to the country’s religious and cultural diversity.
He added that Umno takes seriously the concerns raised by Jawi and the Federal Territories Mufti Department, noting that their views reflect the sentiments of a significant portion of Malaysians. – May 3, 2026