UMNO Youth Chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has questioned the government’s decision not to cancel the upcoming Rain Rave Water Music Festival 2026, describing the event as inappropriate amid current national priorities.
Muhamad Akmal criticised the festival, a water-themed music event scheduled to take place from 30 April to 2 May, which is expected to feature both local and international performers. He argued that the approval of such an event was inconsistent with the government’s earlier cost-cutting measures.
He also urged the Prime Minister to reconsider the event’s approval and questioned the role of the Tourism Ministry in proceeding with the festival. In a strongly worded social media post, he raised concerns about whether the initiative aligns with public expectations and government priorities.
The UMNO Youth leader further pointed out that earlier government-led open house celebrations had been cancelled in the name of fiscal discipline, adding that such decisions were understandable as part of broader savings efforts.
He questioned why similar considerations were not applied to the festival, arguing that public funds and resources should be prioritised for more meaningful programmes rather than large-scale entertainment events.
Muhamad Akmal also raised concerns over water usage, stating that while authorities were actively engaging in cloud seeding efforts to boost water supply, organising a water-based festival could be seen as contradictory.
He further sought clarification from religious authorities regarding their stance on the event, suggesting that it should be reviewed more closely given its concept and scale.
