CONSISTENCY must remain a core principle in political decision-making, particularly on issues that touch on public sensitivities - said Dr Sathia Prakash Nadarajan.
Dr Sathia, the Selangor election director for PKR, stressed that he holds no personal grievances against any political party and does not engage in indiscriminate criticism, but underscored that consistency in political positions is non-negotiable.
Responding to an earlier call by Dr Akmal Saleh, who had openly urged the cancellation of the Rain Rave festival in Bukit Bintang, he said the move reflected more than a personal opinion—it signalled a clear stance on what is considered appropriate.
“The question is straightforward — if such an event is considered unsuitable in Kuala Lumpur, why is the same approach not applied when a similar event takes place in Melaka?” he said in a statement.
He was referring to the Melaka Water Music Festival, held at Pantai Klebang from May 1 to 3, which he noted features elements similar to the earlier festival, including music, cultural showcases, food, and community-based entertainment.
“The difference lies only in the location, not the content,” he added.
Dr Sathia, who is also the PKR Hulu Selangor division chief, said the real issue lies not with the festivals themselves but with the principles applied in evaluating them.
“Is something wrong only when it happens in a certain place, or should the same principles apply regardless of location?” he questioned.
He added that the issue becomes more significant when those voicing strong criticism are also part of a state administration, opening the door to public scrutiny over the consistency of their stance.
“If one is bold enough to demand a cancellation in one place, then the same stance should be taken elsewhere.
“Otherwise, it is no longer about principle but perception — and that perception is clearly one of selectivity,” he said.
At the same time, he clarified that his remarks were not intended as a personal attack, but rather as a reminder that the public is increasingly discerning in evaluating leaders’ actions.
“Credibility is not built on strong statements on a single issue, but through consistency across all situations.
“In the end, the people are not asking for perfection, but fairness. And fairness begins with one basic principle — do not be selective,” he said. – May 1, 2026
