Perak Pas Urges Mb To State Stance On Expanding Alcohol Sales Ban

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Perak PAS has urged Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad to state his stance on measures to control alcohol sales in Muslim-majority areas in Ipoh.
Perak PAS commissioner Razman Zakaria said Saarani's views are necessary after Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming confirmed that there will be no changes to the rules regarding the sale of alcohol.
"The Perak menteri besar cannot remain silent because the statement by Ipoh mayor Rumaizi Baharin represents the desire of Malay Muslims to take care of their future generations," Razman said in a statement.
Rumaizi last week said that the Ipoh City Council had approved a policy to study the demands of residents from Muslim-majority areas before enforcing an alcohol sales ban.
Such a ban is already in force in Manjoi following widespread protests from residents and now more Muslim-majority areas in Ipoh are allegedly requesting the same.
Yesterday, Nga assured that the policy on the sale of liquor will be maintained for the sake of harmony between multiracial communities and to avoid political sentiment.
However, Razman insisted that measures to control the sale of alcohol were in line with the spirit of the Constitution which designates Islam as the state religion.
PAS’ Razman Zakaria"It is also in line with existing regulations following protests from residents. In this issue, the Ipoh mayor represents the Perak government administration led by the menteri besar.
“Perak PAS urges the menteri besar to support the Ipoh mayor’s stance to restrict the sale of alcohol in Malay-majority areas,” he said.
Perak PAS will stand behind the menteri besar if the latter supports and defends Rumaizi on this issue, Razman added.
‘Muslims affected even if they don’t drink’
According to the Gunung Semanggol assemblyperson, alcohol involves not only the basic rights of its consumers, but also the rights of those who may be victims of drunk driving.
“Do Muslims not have basic rights in their own country?” he asked.
The issue of expanding the curb on alcohol sales has drawn criticism from several quarters including Perak MCA.
Its information chief Chung Kok Heung questioned why DAP and PKR leaders denied the restrictions despite Rumaizi’s confirmation on the matter. - Mkini

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