MP fumes at Labuan PAS' 'bullying' call for liquor ban extension

MP fumes at Labuan PAS' 'bullying' call for liquor ban extension

Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin has panned the suggestion by Labuan PAS that Kuala Lumpur City Hall's (DBKL) prohibition of the sale of liquor in grocery stores, convenience stores, and traditional Chinese medicine halls be extended to Labuan and elsewhere in the country.

The Sabah DAP secretary said that Labuan PAS was making such a suggestion without thinking about consequences to the establishment and development of Labuan's society and economy.

"I hereby call upon all cabinet ministers, especially those from Sabah and Sarawak, to speak up against Labuan PAS’ call.

"Labuan is a small island that does not particularly have a competitive economy, and that is why the federal government had given it tax-free status in the first place.

"With such status, many people have made investments in duty-free shops on the island and sell alcohol for a living. This made Labuan attractive to tourists," Chan said in a statement today in response to the call by Labaun PAS chief Hamir Zahari.

“PAS seems to not be concerned about the Labuan people's life. Their statement is a move to destroy Labuan’s economy just to further their personal agenda," he added.

He said that Labuan's economy had been adversely affected due to the Covid-19 pandemic as the shipping industry took a hit.

"The call for an alcohol ban in Labuan, if implemented, may severely impact Labuan's economy, leading to an exodus of people who will redirect their investments elsewhere. Labuan will suffer the loss," Chan added.

He further asked why grocery stores, convenience stores, and Chinese medicine stores were prevented from selling hard liquor, and yet supermarkets and hypermarkets were not restricted.

"Isn't this a further blow to small and medium-sized enterprises while encouraging supermarket groups to further monopolise the home drinking market?"

Respect goes both ways

The DAP lawmaker said all parties must understand that drinking alcohol is the right of non-Muslims.

"While we respect and understand the prohibition of alcohol consumption in Islam, PAS should also respect the right of non-Muslim consuming alcohol responsibly.

“Why must PAS always resort to holier-than-thou bullying tactics against non-Muslims? Such aggressive tactic does not line-up with Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s Keluarga Malaysia which values inclusiveness.

"To restore Malaysia’s original diversity and tolerance, a strong political will is required, and it is not easy to succumb to extremist demand," Chan added.



Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin

Chan demanded that all rational and moderate ministers in the cabinet must defend the governing principles of Keluarga Malaysia and show the courage to uphold the foundation of Malaysia as a pluralistic society.

The ban on the sale of hard liquor by grocery and convenience stores took effect on Nov 1, according to the DBKL.

However, the sale of beer on such premises will still be allowed subject to additional rules.

This includes having to place beer products in a special display section, separate from other beverages.

The sale will be allowed from 7am to 9pm, after which the display section must be locked.

They may only be sold to non-Muslims aged 21 and above.

This is according to the revised guidelines issued by DBKL on the conditions for the issuance of liquor sale licences.

In addition to the liquor ban, non-Muslims were perplexed and angered when the manufacturer of local whiskey brand Timah, Winepak Corporation Sdn Bhd, agreed to consider revamping its image which critics claimed insulted Islam or confuses Muslims.