Tiong Chides Pas Mp Over Extremist Liquor Policing

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Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing is the latest to chide PAS lawmaker Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan over the latter’s attempts to curtail alcohol sales at a mall.
Tiong (above) said that Fawwaz should stop “extremist culture” that harms the nation and destroys the harmony of a plural society.
“Malaysia is known as a unique country with a multi-religious society that lives in peace and harmony.
“This cannot be denied and all citizens need to acknowledge and be proud of this privilege that Malaysia has.
“However, what is sad is that, in a world that is rapidly moving towards the era of digital civilisation for the well-being of the people including economy, politics, culture and social, there are still a few parties who want the country to be seen as going backwards,” said Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP.
He said that various matters or sensitive issues that arise in this country are often blown up by a few extremist groups who do so for personal gain.
“This is an unhealthy phenomenon. It will not only result in our country being seen stagnant and unable to progress, but it will also affect the country's tourism industry,” he added.
Tiong said that Fawwaz, as an MP, should have a better understanding that Malaysia is a multi-racial and multi-religious country.
As such, Fawwaz should not magnify issues related to religion and not govern the country by only giving priority to one particular religion or race.
“Furthermore, this issue is very sensitive among multi-racial Malaysia.
“Malaysians have lived in harmony and tolerance for decades, don't destroy it in the blink of an eye.
“If every issue that arises is linked to religion and race, it will certainly bring pressure to various industrial sectors and affect the attraction of non-Muslim tourists into the country.
“It is not impossible that tourists will consider us as an extreme country if we continue to behave like this,” he added.
Fawwaz, who ended the Anwar Ibrahim family’s decades-long control of the Permatang Pauh seat in the last general election, said he had received complaints from the public about the promotion of alcoholic beverages at Sunway Carnival Mall.
During his meeting with the mall’s management, the PAS lawmaker said he expressed a “strong objection” to the large-scale promotion and sale of alcoholic beverages in the main lobby area.
Following this, Fawwaz said the management agreed to hold the promotion in a more concealed manner for the next week.
“To safeguard the sensitivities of Muslims… it is hoped that such a situation does not recur,” he added, noting the adverse effects of alcohol consumption.
Tiong pointed out that Penang is the main tourist destination in our country.
“We welcome tourists from all over the world every year to Penang. Many foreign tourists come to Penang to travel, visit historical places and enjoy their free time by 'drinking' with family members and friends.
“Therefore, it is necessary for the Penang state government to consider this issue again while at the same time, not turning its back on other races to maintain harmony in this country,” he said. - Mkini

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