Respect Muslim sensitivities, Hadi says on Oktoberfest issue

KUALA LUMPUR: PAS stands against the Oktoberfest cultural festival, often described by opponents as a “beer festival,” says party president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.

He said this was because the sensitivity of Muslims, who make up the majority of Malaysians, must be preserved.

“We are against it. They must respect the sensitivity of Muslims.

“At the same time, we respect the freedom enjoyed by other religions but they must preserve the sensitivity,” he said when met at the Parliament lobby here on Monday (Oct 15).

Both the Johor and Terengganu state governments have banned Oktoberfest celebrations.

However, Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan said restaurants in the city can organise Oktoberfest events if they are held within their premises and they are licensed to sell alcoholic beverages.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) rejected an application for the Better Beer Festival 2017 at Publika Shopping Gallery last year, citing security concerns.