Sabah Dap Leaders Slam Cuepacs Alcohol Ban For Civil Servants

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Two Sabah DAP politicians have spoken out against the decision by the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) to bar civil servants from attending events, including unofficial ones, that serve alcohol.
Sabah DAP chairperson Phoong Jin Zhe told Malaysiakini that such policies must instead be rooted in mutual respect and understanding.
“When I look at it, especially in the context of Sabah, it’s totally unnecessary and uncalled for.
“There are many unofficial, societal, festive occasions which will unavoidably involve civil servants, such as Kaamatan, weddings, Chinese religious events, and so on,” Phoong (above) said.
Yesterday, Cuepacs issued a statement amid backlash against Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing and Tourism Malaysia over a gala dinner where alcohol was served.
Cuepacs president Adnan Mat said civil servants must protect the image, integrity, and dignity of the civil service - meaning that participation in events that can reflect negatively on the government is unacceptable.
Cuepacs president Adnan MatHowever, he did not define what was considered an unofficial feast or event, and whether personal private functions, such as weddings and festive celebrations, counted.
Commenting further, Phoong criticised Adnan’s statement, saying such blanket restrictions will affect social harmony in Sabah while restricting the freedom of non-Muslims.
Call to respect personal choice
Similarly, Phoong’s deputy Chan Foong Hin reminded Cuepacs that non-Muslims make up part of the civil service.
“No organisation has the authority to impose moral or social prohibitions on them (non-Muslims) beyond what is clearly stated by law or government policy,” he told Malaysiakini.
The government already has a policy preventing alcohol from being served at official events and government functions, the Kota Kinabalu MP added.
Sabah DAP deputy chairperson Chan Foong Hin“There are no changes to this guideline, which continues to reflect the government’s commitment to maintaining respect, professionalism, and decorum in all official settings.
“However, it must be emphasised that the consumption of alcohol among non-Muslims is a matter of personal freedom.
“As long as individuals act responsibly and refrain from offences such as drinking and driving, their personal choice should not be restricted or condemned,” he said.
Urging leaders to maintain decorum
Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) president Larry Sng agreed with Cuepacs.
The Julau MP told Malaysiakini that any civil servant or elected official who is seen drinking alcohol in public could encourage misbehaviour.
It is also a negative misrepresentation considering Malaysia’s status as a Muslim-majority country, he added.
“I agree with the statement (by Cuepacs) and I do believe that Malaysian leaders and civil servants should conduct themselves in a proper decorum at all times, and especially so during government events,” he said.
Parti Bangsa Malaysia president Larry SngWhen asked whether this applies similarly to unofficial events, he said yes, adding that it applies to all public events.
“If you drink in your house away from public view, that should not be anyone’s concern.
“But if you are attending as a minister or elected representative or ministry chief secretary, it wouldn’t be appropriate to promote alcohol or drunk behaviour,” he commented.
Clarification fails to dampen backlash
Criticism over the government being involved in events that serve alcohol arose over a dinner held in conjunction with Tourism Malaysia’s Global Travel Meet event.
Photos from the event showed Tiong and other guests holding wine and beer glasses, causing widespread backlash, including calls for the minister’s resignation.
Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing at the gala dinnerTiong later clarified that the event was not hosted by the government as originally planned, but by private companies, which took over the hosting and funding following the success of the Global Travel Meet.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has since issued a stern reminder to Tiong not to repeat the mistake.
Anwar also indicated that he did not accept Tiong’s explanation that the gala dinner was not a “government event”. - Mkini

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