The Penang division of Parti Se-Malaysia (PAS) is calling upon the state government to cancel a Songkran event scheduled to be held this weekend.
According to the event poster, the event will be held at Batu Ferringhi on Apr 12 and 13 from 4pm till late night, with tickets priced between RM60 and RM120 per person.
PAS MP calls for Songkran event in Penang to be cancelled
In a statement by PAS Penang Information Chief and Permatang Pauh MP Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan, he said while Malaysia does not prohibit entertainment-based programs, such events must adhere to existing procedures and regulations.
Penang PAS expresses disappointment over the dissemination of this event’s advertisement, which has offended Malaysians.
“Malaysians, who are rich in noble values and Eastern manners, feel challenged by the organisation of this program,” he said.
Muhammad Fawwaz emphasised that promoting the hedonistic culture excessively and displaying a lack of decorum should not be permitted, let alone celebrated.
“A lifestyle that is modeled after the West will lead to the erosion of values in society. The state government and Penang City Council (MBPP) must cancel this program as well as prevent any other events that do not comply with proper standards, especially those that clearly involve elements of immorality.”
‘It’s all about control’
Muhammad Fawwaz’s remarks were immediately called out by Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid, who pointed out that his statement were at odds with what PAS did in Kedah.
In a lengthy statement, she wrote the Kedah state government had allowed a Songkran festival to be held as a way to promote local tourism.
While Penang PAS claims the moral high ground, their counterparts in Kedah—under the same party—recently supported and even promoted Songkran as part of the state’s tourism strategy.
“In April 2024, the Kedah state government proudly collaborated with local communities to host a state-level Songkran celebration, recognising its cultural and economic value,” she said.
Syerleena added the Songkran festival has never been an issue before and should remain the same today.
She also slammed PAS for unnecessarily stirring up controversy just to score political points among supporters.
“This inconsistency reveals a dangerous pattern: exploiting cultural issues to provoke division and score political points. It’s not about values—it’s about control.
“Malaysia’s strength lies in its diversity. Our multicultural landscape is a testament to the beauty of different communities coexisting peacefully.
“Targeting cultural celebrations like Songkran not only infringes upon the rights of our fellow citizens, but also contradicts the very essence of what it means to be Malaysian,” she wrote.
This isn’t the first time PAS has voiced opposition to similar events, with one notable example being Blackpink’s concert back in 2023:
