“Dare to Criticise, Dare to Be Consistent” – PKR Selangor questions inconsistency over entertainment festival issue

KUALA LUMPUR – Selangor Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Election Department Director, Dr Sathia Prakash, stressed that the principle of consistency must be the foundation of every political stance, especially on issues involving public sensitivities.

He said he holds no personal issues with any political party and does not practice indiscriminate criticism, but emphasised that in politics, consistency is something that cannot be compromised.

According to him, the action of UMNO Youth Chief, Dr Akmal Saleh, who openly called for the cancellation of the Rain Rave festival in Bukit Bintang previously, was not merely a personal opinion, but reflected a clear stance on what is considered appropriate and inappropriate.

“The question that arises is simple: if such an event is deemed unsuitable in Kuala Lumpur, why is the same approach not taken when a similar event takes place in Melaka?” he said in a statement on Friday.

He was referring to the Melaka Water Music Festival held at Pantai Klebang from May 1 to 3, which he said features elements not much different, such as music, culture, food, as well as community and entertainment activities.

“The difference is only the location, not the content,” he said.

Dr Sathia, who is also the PKR Hulu Selangor Division Chief, said the real issue is not the festival itself, but the principle used in making the assessment.

“Is something wrong only when it happens in a certain place, or should the principle remain the same regardless of location?” he questioned.

He added that the matter becomes more significant when the individual who is vocal in criticising is also part of the state administration, thus opening the door for the public to question the consistency of such a stance.

“If one is bold enough to demand a cancellation in one place, then one must be equally bold to take the same stand elsewhere.

“If not, it is no longer a matter of principle but of perception — and that perception is clearly selective,” he said.

Meanwhile, he stressed that the statement was not an attack on any individual, but rather a reminder that the public is now increasingly discerning in evaluating leaders’ actions.

“Credibility is not built through strong statements on a single issue, but through consistency in all circumstances.

“In the end, the people do not demand perfection, but fairness. And fairness begins with one basic principle: do not be selective,” he said.