PETALING JAYA: Non-Muslims have been frequently assured they will not be subjected to regulations pertaining to Islam and Islamic affairs.
Therefore, the possibility that the ruling to curb the sale of liquor will be extended to other states is both unnecessary and ridiculous, according to National Patriots Association (Patriot).
“Non-Muslims were told that they could consume non-halal food as long as their religion permits it.“Patriot would like to remind Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Ahmad Marzuk Shaary and PAS leaders not to make a mockery of their words. Otherwise, public perception of their hypocrisy will only worsen, ” said Patriot president Brig-Jen (Rtd) Datuk Mohamed Arshad Raji.
This was in response to remarks made by Ahmad Marzuk that the government had not ruled out expanding Kuala Lumpur’s liquor sale ban in grocery and sundry shops, convenience stores along with Chinese medicine shops to other states.
The deputy minister had said he welcomed the decision by the Federal Territories, via the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), to disallow liquor sale in such shops from October 2021.
Mohamed Arshad said Malaysians have been living in a multiracial and multireligious country, co-existing in understanding and have mutual respect among the three major races.
“If curbing liquor sales is because of drink-driving, there are better ways to tackle the problem.
“The approach must be an all-inclusive consultation including with the business community and not just with a show-making select group.
“If health is the issue, surely they should know there are numerous other food and beverages that are worse for health compared to beer and mild liquor, ” he said.
Although it is not Patriot’s intention to promote any alcoholic drink, upholding social justice and the value of righteousness, encouraging fair business practices and voicing out against bullying tactics are within the bounds of the group’s business, he added.
“Politicians need to be reminded of the ramifications of their decision in curbing liquor sales and not issuing licences, affecting jobs, small businesses, transport, restaurants, hotels, tourism, and the national income, ” he said.
