FT DAP backs Rain Rave Water Festival, urging Malaysians to respect choice and reject divisive politics.
PETALING JAYA: The Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur (FTKL) DAP wing has called on critics to stop politicising the Rain Rave Water Music Festival, a three-day event scheduled to run from April 30 to May 2 in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.
In a media statement released on Monday, FTKL DAP treasurer Ben Fong Kok Seng argued that attendance at the festival is entirely voluntary, and that opposing it on political grounds undermines a foundational principle of Malaysia’s plural society — the freedom of individuals to pursue lawful activities of their choosing.
“Those who are uncomfortable with the concept are free to stay away,” Fong said.
“At the same time, those who wish to attend an approved and regulated event should not be denied that choice simply because others disagree with their preference.”
Fong welcomed Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing’s public affirmation of the ministry’s commitment to the event, as well as the minister’s rebuttal of what Fong described as “unfounded claims made by political opportunists.”
The DAP leader also pointed to the economic significance of the festival for Bukit Bintang — one of Kuala Lumpur’s primary commercial and tourism corridors — noting that businesses, hotels, restaurants, retailers and service workers stand to benefit from increased visitor footfall and spending.
He linked this to Malaysia’s broader tourism push under the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign.
Fong urged caution over what he called a “slippery slope” if organised events were to be cancelled based on subjective public discomfort.
“If we allow a music festival to be cancelled today, will it be massage centres, nightlife establishments, or cinemas next?” he asked.
Drawing a historical parallel, Fong cited the 2022 Bon Odori controversy in Shah Alam, during which the Sultan of Selangor intervened to allow the Japanese cultural festival to proceed.
He argued the episode demonstrated that Malaysia can engage with foreign cultural influences with “maturity and confidence” rather than anxiety.
The Rain Rave Water Music Festival is co-organised by Tourism Malaysia and The Fame as part of the Visit Malaysia 2026 programme, and will be held in conjunction with the World Labour Day celebration.
