Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) expressed concern over calls by peninsula politicians to ban alcohol at official government functions, warning that such a move will extend to state-endorsed events and threaten Sabah’s cultural identity.
SAPP Vice-President Datuk Chong Pit Fah said the proposal — following outcry over a recent Tourism Malaysia dinner where alcohol was served — amounts to “a direct intrusion” into Sabah’s autonomy and runs contrary to the 20-Point Agreement that guarantees religious and cultural freedom for the State.
“Under MA63, the 18 and 20 Points clearly guarantee Sabah and Sarawak the right to religious and cultural freedom. These provisions form the foundation of Malaysia’s federal structure and safeguard our State’s autonomy,” he said in a statement.
He said in Sabah, alcohol is served at many cultural celebrations such as the Kaamatan Festival, which celebrates the rice gods and features tapai or lihing (traditional rice wine) prepared as an offering to Kinorohingan, the rice spirit, and served to guests as a gesture of friendship and goodwill.
Many Chinese cultural celebrations in Sabah, such as the Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese New Year, also feature traditional toasts.
Chong said these cultural celebrations were not only central to Sabah’s identity but also attract millions of tourists each year, boosting the State’s economy and showcasing Sabah as a vibrant, diverse destination.
“If official functions are subjected to a blanket alcohol ban, we cannot celebrate Kaamatan and other traditional events in its true form. We would be forced into a distorted version that undermines our cultural identity.
“We condemn any attempts by peninsula political parties to impose their religious or political agendas on Sabah.
“If these Malayan parties gain influence in Sabah’s Government, even our official celebrations could be altered or restricted,” he said.
The latest alcohol controversy erupted when photos of federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and guests holding wine and beer glasses at dinner linked to the Global Travel Meet programme went viral.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it was unacceptable even though the drinks were served after the official event.
He reaffirmed the Government’s strict policy prohibiting alcohol at official functions “without exception,” and said all ministers and agencies must take the rule seriously.