KUALA LUMPUR, May 4, 2026 — Seputeh Member of Parliament Teresa Kok called on Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) and UMNO Youth Chief Datuk Dr. Muhamad Akmal Saleh to stop merely opposing events and instead offer constructive proposals to ensure the success of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).
In a statement shared on her Facebook page, the DAP lawmaker stressed that continued objections to tourism initiatives such as the Rain Rave Water Music Festival 2026 in Bukit Bintang will not help drive the country’s economic growth.
“Recently, PAS and Dr. Akmal have been very vocal in opposing the Rain Rave Water Music Festival 2026 in Bukit Bintang. However, it is surprising that both parties, despite loudly rejecting this tourist attraction programme, have failed to present any constructive alternatives to boost the nation’s tourism industry,” she said.
Kok also criticised PAS’s track record in the tourism sector, citing the situation in Langkawi under the Perikatan Nasional (PN) state government led by PAS.
“We cannot allow the image of Kuala Lumpur and the whole of Malaysia to be tarnished by narrow policies that ultimately harm the people’s economy,” she emphasised.
According to Kok, the majority of foreign tourists visit Malaysia to relax, seek entertainment, and experience the vibrancy of city culture — not to be bound by overly strict moral restrictions.
“If they disagree with the organisation of street concerts or music festivals, then they have a responsibility to propose other programmes capable of attracting millions of tourists. Do not turn Malaysia into a country with ‘sluggish’ tourism like what has happened in Langkawi,” she added.
The Rain Rave Water Music Festival, held from April 30 to May 2, 2026, sparked controversy after it was opposed by Selangor PAS Youth Chief Sukri Omar, who claimed it did not reflect Malaysian identity, while Dr. Akmal Saleh questioned the use of resources and government spending during an austerity drive.
VM2026 is a government initiative aimed at attracting up to 47 million tourists and generating substantial tourism revenue to stimulate the post-pandemic economy.
Teresa Kok stressed that the current focus should be on economic growth and the success of VM2026, rather than politics based on racial or religious objections that could drive away investors and tourists.
About The Author
