Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh has called on the government to immediately cancel the Water Music Festival in Bukit Bintang, warning that he would otherwise urge Muslims and Malaysians who oppose the event to pray for thunderstorms over the area during the next two days so that participants “can experience the rain”.
In a video posted on Facebook, he claimed the event had faced widespread objections, including from the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (JAWI), and criticised Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing for insisting on holding what he described as a “disco-style” event in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
He said images circulating on TikTok and Facebook showed participants engaging in energetic dancing during the festival, likening the scene to a concert or nightclub atmosphere.
Akmal argued that while concerts in stadiums or entertainment venues are acceptable, placing such activities on public roads in Bukit Bintang was inappropriate, adding that it turned the city centre into what he described as a “dance floor”.
He also took aim at the minister’s past actions, alleging that alcohol had been served at an official event, and claimed this reflected poorly on the government. He questioned why events that allegedly made Muslims uncomfortable continued to be approved.
Separately, Akmal said he was not against entertainment activities in principle, but stressed that turning Kuala Lumpur’s streets into what he described as a “disco setting” was unacceptable and unnecessary.
He further clarified that in Melaka, water-based activities should focus on traditional and cultural elements such as traditional attire and motorboat demonstrations to promote heritage and local identity.
He added that DJ performances should not be included, claiming they would lead to inappropriate behaviour, and said he had raised his concerns with Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and state officials, who reportedly agreed to remove DJ elements from an upcoming programme.
Akmal reiterated his call for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to reconsider and cancel the Bukit Bintang Water Music Festival, describing it as an event that brings more harm than benefit and questioning its alignment with government cost-cutting measures.
