Fresh Bid For Alcohol Ban At Bar Events

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It will be the second time that such a matter is up for discussion at the Malaysian Bar AGM after the first was soundly defeated in 2017.
PETALING JAYA: A motion to prohibit alcoholic drinks from being served and consumed at Malaysian and state Bar events will be debated at the 79th Malaysian Bar annual general meeting on Saturday.
It is one of the 14 motions listed on the agenda of the meeting to be held at Wisma MCA and circulated to members this evening.
FMT has sighted the meeting’s agenda and has reached out to Bar Council secretary Murshidah Mustafa for her response.
The motion states that alcohol consumption has well-documented health risks, including liver disease, addiction, and adverse mental health effects.
It said the presence of alcohol at events organised by the Malaysian Bar and state Bar committees may contribute to unprofessional behaviour and create potential liabilities to the Malaysian Bar.
The motion said the presence of alcohol at such events does not align with the organisation’s commitment to promoting a healthy and supportive atmosphere for its members.
It said the inclusion of alcohol at such events may alienate members who abstain from alcohol for health, religious or personal reasons.
The motion also said the exclusion of alcohol and intoxicant substances may reduce the discomfort and awkwardness experienced by certain segments of members, especially Muslim lawyers.
Further, it said, the prohibition of alcohol and intoxicants is provided in the Quran and hadith.
The proposer and seconder want the Bar Council to adopt a policy that all events shall be alcohol-free.
The motion said the Bar Council should not accept any sponsorship from companies or entities that resemble or promote alcohol considering its harm to the physical wellbeing and mental health of its members.
It said should the need arise, alcoholic or intoxicant beverages should only be brought by individual members at their own cost and consumed after the official event had concluded.
In 2017, a lawyer had proposed a similar motion to ban alcohol at Malaysian Bar events after stating that legal practitioners came from diverse, multi-ethnic and multi-religious backgrounds, and that alcohol consumption was prohibited by almost all religions.
However, the motion was defeated by an overwhelming majority. - FMT

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