Call it a twist of irony, but did all the recent bad vibes concerning alcohol finally “force” non-Muslims in this country to wake up from their stupor - and start “pushing back” against the endless attacks on their basic constitutional rights?
Perhaps, it's true that with peace finally returning to Gaza, and having no other controversy to harp on, some “pseudo-religious politicians” here may have decided to turn their attention to an easier target - alcohol - so that they can pick on the country's minorities for some cheap publicity!
In fact, some may also be prompted to ask further: why is it that each time some non-Muslims here are seen enjoying a cool glass of wine or beer, it's always PAS, UMNO and other self-appointed “moral guardians” who end up getting all worked up?
Has their overreach on the subject of alcohol - and their hegemony over the minorities here gone too far?
As the issue continues to dominate local news, thanks to the country's politicians, perhaps, prominent Newswav writer Nehru Sathiamoorthy was spot on when he wrote recently that it was actually about “winning the attention” of the public – all just to ensure their own political relevance and survival.
But what must have shocked many was when a PAS MP had recently targeted the gathering of St Michael’s Institution old boys in an event where attendees were seen enjoying a glass or two of alcohol; but the truth is, it was purely a “private affair” held at their own alma mater in Ipoh -- and not at some government community hall!
In fact, he had actually taken to his Facebook to raise the matter with the organiser while labelling it an “alcoholic party held within the school compound!”
Moreover, the “concerned” lawmaker had lamented that “schools should be a field for the formation of character, morality and knowledge – not a place for activities that contradict religious, ethical and educational values”; of course, he was right - but did all those who gathered there come to attend a “special class” on morals - or to reconnect and celebrate with their old chums?
Going by his logic, will one day beer and wine be banned in all Chinese wedding banquets too - since they are also private affairs?
Underlining his seriousness, the PAS leader had even called for a thorough investigation and “drastic action” to be taken against the school’s administration for having breached existing guidelines by authorising such an event.
However, some observers may contend that it was actually a political ploy to provoke the Madani government to react, knowing that should PM Anwar make a wrong move, he could lose substantial non-Muslim votes! Was that the real objective then - and very little to do with alcohol?
Furthermore, according to another report, if PAS was sincerely against alcohol as it is “deemed” to be from satan (just like prostitution, corruption etc.) shouldn't it also call for alcohol-related taxes to be separated from the national coffers?
Maybe, it's finally time for the Federal Government to segregate taxes earned from alcohol-related activities?
Nevertheless, PAS was reminded that unlike in Islam, in other cultures, including in many Christian denominations, drinking may be allowed but in moderation; in other words consuming alcohol per se is not prohibited, but getting drunk is!
Meanwhile, responding to an earlier controversy where alcohol was served in a government tourism ministry function, outspoken political commentator Prof James Chin had recently stated that going by some politicians' arguments shouldn't beef also be banned at government functions given that a substantial number of up to 7% of Malaysians profess the Hindu faith?
At this rate, will they also call for a ban on alcoholic beverages at all “foreign embassy” functions in this country soon…?
In summing up, Chin quoted Selangor DAP stalwart Teng Chang Khim who had mentioned that “the Federal Constitution only provides that Islam is the religion of the federation - it doesn't (categorically) state that Malaysia is an Islamic state whereby Islamic values should be the core values of the administration”; while it seemed like a “grey area” the DAP veteran's statement would have certainly served as food for thought!
Still on alcohol, but on a lighter note, during a recent debate in parliament two MPs from the Islamist party had actually proposed that cendol or sirap bandung be served to passengers instead of alcohol on the national airlines MAS; furthermore, they went on to “school” the country's lawmakers not to take pride in things prohibited by religion as alcohol is seen as something “negative” in all faiths!
“Should the name of our national airlines be changed from “MAS” to “PAS” then?”
Incidentally, another PAS leader had also reportedly expressed displeasure at allegations that Muslim flight attendants in MAS were being made to serve alcohol against their will; nevertheless he had stressed that it wasn't about denying anyone’s rights — but more about respecting the religious sensitivities of the “majority” of Malaysians.
In conclusion, while the debate over alcohol continues to rage, perhaps, the only thing the minorities in this country can do is to keep “pushing back” the onslaught from the ethno-religious “supremacists"; in the meantime, they can carry on enjoying their favourite bubbly, so long as it's always taken in moderation - less they too end up intoxicated and start promoting sirap bandung and cendol!
Notes to Ponder: While a vast majority of the Muslim population in this country are generally tolerant and may have somewhat accepted the “uncomfortable realities” of coexisting in a multiracial and multicultural nation, it's often the “noisy minority” among them who seem to be always clamouring for public attention while conveniently forgetting that consuming alcohol may not be the only “sinful” act in life; in fact, there is something far worse - hypocrisy!
Main information source: Newswav, Focus Malaysia and Weird Kaya.
JK Joseph (jtkingsworld@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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