Kok Urges Sarawakians To Be Wary Of Gps Nonchalance On Alcohol Curbs

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SARAWAK POLLS | DAP deputy secretary-general Teresa Kok has urged Sarawakians to be wary of Gabungan Parti Sarawak's (GPS) stance on tighter beer and liquor laws.
Speaking to reporters in Sibu, Kok said GPS was part of a federal government that was now banning the sale of liquor by sundry shops, convenience stores and Chinese medicine halls.
She said the federal government was also forcing traditional coffee shops to take up an alcohol licence to serve bottled beer.
"After GPS became (part of) the federal government... issues (concerning alcohol) that have never been raised by the federal government before have surfaced.
"I've been an MP in Kuala Lumpur for five terms. These issues were never raised in Parliament until now," she said.
Kok accused GPS MPs of being silent on the issue despite being part of the federal government and colluding with PAS, which seeks to create a theocratic state.
Beginning Jan 1 next year, all eateries that wish to sell alcoholic beverages must apply for an annual licence ranging from RM840 and RM1,320, depending on operating hours.
On Nov 1, the Putrajaya also banned the sale of liquor in sundry shops, convenience stores and Chinese medicine halls in Kuala Lumpur.
The federal government had also compelled the manufacturer of a local liquor to add an additional description to its packaging after some cabinet ministers complained that its name - "Timah" - could cause public distress.
Meanwhile, Kok also urged Sarawakian voters to consider that Pakatan Harapan's election pledges in 2018 included a provision that it would respect the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
That, she said, manifested in an attempt to restore Article 1(2) to its original form written in 1963, but GPS MPs abstained from the vote.
Currently, a similar bill is being planned by GPS leader and law minister Wan Junaidi Wan Ahmad. It is expected to be voted on next week. - Mkini

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