BAGAN MP Lim Guan Eng has strongly criticised Barisan Nasional (BN), UMNO, Perikatan Nasional (PN) and PAS for opposing the Rain Rave Water Festival 2026, saying they should be “ashamed” after the event reportedly drew 180,000 visitors and generated substantial tourism revenue.
In a statement, Lim said attempts by certain political parties to object to the three-day festival were aimed at sowing division, stressing that the event concluded smoothly without any untoward incidents.
“There were no incidents, nobody was injured, and the programme went on safely and in a positive atmosphere,” he said.
He added that figures from the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association estimated attendance at around 180,000 people, with tourism-related revenue reaching up to RM200 million.
Lim said the economic impact would benefit small traders and strengthen Malaysia’s reputation as a safe destination for both domestic and international tourism.
He also linked the outcome to efforts by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing in advancing tourism initiatives under Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Citing broader sector performance, Lim said Malaysia recorded RM332 billion in tourism revenue and 42 million tourist arrivals in 2025.
He questioned whether opposition and government-aligned parties that rejected the event were ignoring the economic benefits generated.
While acknowledging political disagreement from opposition blocs, Lim said it was disappointing that BN and Umno, despite being part of the unity government, had taken a similar stance alongside PN and PAS.
He further criticised what he described as inconsistent positions within BN and Umno, pointing to recent political developments in Negeri Sembilan as an example of instability within the ruling arrangement.
Lim also highlighted repeated suggestions by BN and Umno leaders that they could contest the next general election independently, despite holding Cabinet positions in the unity government, saying this raised questions about their commitment to the coalition.
He said such behaviour reflected a lack of political consistency and urged voters to take note ahead of future elections. - May 5, 2026
