Umno Youth has raised questions regarding the government’s decision to move forward with a water festival, despite the earlier cancellation of official Raya open houses.
The open houses were scrapped as a measure to save funds in light of the economic impact stemming from the Iran war.
Youth chief Akmal Saleh argued that the Rain Rave Water Music Festival, slated to take place from April 30 to May 2, should have been cancelled for the same reasons.
While the wing accepted the decision to forego Raya festivities, Akmal questioned the logic behind allowing the music event to proceed.
He pointed out that while Raya open houses would have benefited the general public and local vendors, the government seems to have prioritised the water festival.
He asked whether the government’s current austerity measures were selectively applied to certain events.
Allegations of resource waste
Akmal also highlighted the irony of holding an event that consumes significant amounts of water while the government simultaneously conducts cloud seeding operations to boost water capacity.
He described the decision to organise a water-wasting event during such a period as puzzling.
The youth chief challenged the religious affairs minister and the federal territories mufti to clarify their stances on the matter.
He further urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to intervene and cancel the event, which he labelled as foolish.
In a direct move, Akmal demanded the removal of tourism, arts and culture minister Tiong King Sing for overseeing the festival’s approval.
He remains firm that the event is inconsistent with the nation’s current economic and resource priorities.
Tourism ministry defends festival
Tourism, arts and culture minister Tiong King Sing defended the festival last week, comparing it to Thailand’s Songkran water festival.
He stated that such events are successful in attracting international tourists and generating substantial economic returns for the country.
Addressing concerns regarding the nature of the event, Tiong clarified that participation is entirely voluntary.
He also refuted allegations that attendees were required to wear swimsuits or revealing attire, maintaining that the festival was a professional tourism effort.
Despite these justifications, Umno Youth maintains that the contrast between the cancellation of traditional cultural celebrations and the continuation of a commercial water festival remains a point of public contention.
