KUCHING, May 2 -- The debate over the Rain Rave Water Music Festival 2026 should not be reduced to extreme positions and must instead be approached rationally, balancing values, freedom and economic considerations, according to Johor DAP vice-chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Sheikh Umar said Malaysia's position as a Muslim-majority country with a diverse society requires policy discussions to be handled in a measured manner rather than emotionally.

He said the issue should not be viewed through a "black-and-white" lens of either total prohibition or complete freedom.

"Instead, we need to look at how any policy or activity impacts the overall well-being of society," he said.

Sheikh Umar stressed tha...