KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 — Lim Lip Eng said the Rain Rave Water Music Festival 2026 is a lawful and well-organised event that has generated strong economic benefits.
For local traders, workers and the tourism sector. He said attempts to “manufacture controversy out of nothing” were irresponsible and warned against narratives that could harm Kuala Lumpur’s image as a modern and open city.
Former minister Yeo Bee Yin defended the festival, saying Malaysia’s strength lies in its diversity and ability to host global-standard events, adding that “moral policing doesn’t pay the bills.”
Johor DAP vice-chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali said the issue should not be framed in extremes, stressing the need to balance values, freedom and economic impact through measured, responsible policy discussions.
