“Will spas, nightlife joints or cinemas be next if we scrap Bt Bintang’s water festival?”

 

Letter to editor

THE three-day Rain Rave Water Music Festival starting April 30 in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur (KL) is ultimately a question of choice in a plural society and should not be politicised for narrow, short-term interests that risk deepening divisions among Malaysians.

Attendance to the event is voluntary with nobody being forced to participate or support it. Those who are uncomfortable with the concept are free to stay away.

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.

This has long been a fundamental principle of Malaysia’s plural society since Merdeka whereby individuals are free to pursue activities of their choice provided they are lawful and do not infringe on the rights and safety of others.

As someone actively involved in community work in Bukit Bintang, I welcome and appreciate Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing’s recent affirmation of the Ministry’s commitment to the event as well as his clear rebuttal of unfounded claims made by political opportunists.

‘Be fearless of outside influences’

The reality is that Malaysia is a diverse country. Different Malaysians have different lifestyles, values and comfort levels. The strength of our society lies not in forcing everyone into one mould, but in allowing people to coexist with mutual respect.

This is why decisions on events must be context-appropriate. Bukit Bintang is not an ordinary residential neighbourhood or a quiet rural setting.

It is the heart of Kuala Lumpur, one of the country’s most recognisable tourism and commercial districts and a major gateway for foreign visitors, especially during Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

What may be unsuitable in one setting may be appropriate in another provided it is properly managed, regulated and respectful of public order.

It is also unfair to portray every new or foreign-inspired idea as a threat to Malaysian identity. Malaysia has always absorbed influences from outside and adapted them to our local context.

Many elements widely regarded as an integral to Malaysian life today such as nasi kandar, roti canai and wayang kulit have roots beyond our shores or were shaped by external influences over time.

Recall that in 2022, Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah himself visited the Bon Odori Festival in Shah Alam although some parties tried to politicise the event before that.

That episode should remind us that there is no need to be fearful of outside influences but rather to approach them with maturity and confidence.

Financial gains

Critics of the Rain Rave Water Music Festival should also consider the economic spillover from the event.

Businesses, workers, hotels, restaurants, retailers and service providers depend heavily on footfall and visitor spending.

At a time of global economic uncertainty, including pressures arising from the global energy crisis, such activity can generate significant economic activity, support livelihoods and reinforce KL’s position as a vibrant regional destination.

Furthermore, we must also be mindful of the slippery slope created when heightened sentiments are used to justify cancelling events based on subjective discomfort.

If we allow a music festival to be cancelled today, will it be massage centres, nightlife establishments or cinemas next? Where does this end and who decides on behalf of everyone else?

Ultimately, this issue should not be politicised or used to stoke division. Malaysians are capable of making their own choices within the bounds of the law.

Public discourse should be guided by maturity and responsibility, with respect for differing views rather than the amplification of outrage for short-term political gain. 

Ben Fong Kok Seng is DAP Federal Territory (KL) treasure.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.

- Focus Malaysia.