KUALA LUMPUR, 2 Mei 2026 — Sheikh Umar Bagharib bin Ali, Ahli Jawatankuasa Tertinggi Pusat (CEC) DAP and Naib Pengerusi DAP Johor, today issued a media statement urging Malaysians to address controversies surrounding the ongoing Rain Rave Water Music Festival with rationality rather than emotion.
In his statement titled “Rain Rave: Mencari Keseimbangan Antara Nilai, Kebebasan dan Ekonomi”, Sheikh Umar acknowledged Malaysia’s identity as a nation rooted in Islam as the official religion while functioning as a dynamic, multi-ethnic society. He stressed that debates over events like the Rain Rave should focus on overall societal well-being instead of binary “haram” or “fully free” framing.
“Menjaga nilai agama tetap penting. Umat Islam berhak untuk memastikan ruang awam tidak dipenuhi dengan perkara yang bercanggah secara jelas dengan prinsip moral dan adab. Keresahan yang disuarakan oleh masyarakat perlu dihormati,” he said.
At the same time, he highlighted the event’s economic potential in a competitive global tourism landscape. Activities such as Rain Rave could attract international visitors, stimulate the hospitality and services sectors, and create opportunities for local residents. A total ban, he argued, would not be realistic in today’s interconnected world.
The three-day Rain Rave Water Music Festival, held in Bukit Bintang as part of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, has drawn both large crowds and strong criticism. The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) previously issued advisories citing concerns over moral harm and societal values.
Sheikh Umar advocated for “kebebasan yang diurus dengan nilai” — freedom managed with values. He outlined several key principles:
- Freedom with responsibility: Entertainment is permissible but must not undermine public safety, order, or core societal values.
- Clear and managed spaces: Events should not necessarily occupy fully open public areas; controlled locations and access can address sensitivities.
- Consistent and firm regulations: Clear guidelines and fair enforcement are essential.
- An informed society: Value education must accompany economic development so citizens make conscious choices.
He further noted that in a plural society, the majority sets the direction, but a strong system also protects minority rights. Malaysia, he concluded, does not need to choose between being principled or economically competitive — it must strive to be both.
“Malaysia perlu terus melangkah sebagai sebuah negara yang berpegang kepada nilai, tetapi tidak takut kepada kemajuan,” Sheikh Umar added.
The statement comes amid ongoing public discourse, with Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing also defending the festival for its economic benefits and urging critics to stop politicising it.
Sheikh Umar’s position reflects DAP’s broader call to reject divisive politics while respecting cultural and religious sensitivities in a maturing democracy.
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