IT is irresponsible of certain authorities to think that by banning alcohol and gambling they are doing a great religious service to the Muslim community in Malaysia, said a DAP man.
According to Penang deputy chief minister P Ramasamy, people in this country have the right of choice, whether to consume alcohol or gamble, and it is not for the Government to stop these activities simply because they are deemed offensive to Muslims.
“Generally speaking, Muslims in the country are tolerant of others. They might think that alcohol and gambling are offensive and are against the practices of their religion but they also understand that non-Muslims here might not have the same perspective on alcohol consumption or gambling,” he remarked.
“It is not so much about the consumption of alcohol or engaging in gambling, and neither is it a situation of Muslims versus non-Muslims.
“Rather, it is about the question of choice that seems to be snatched away by overzealous authorities, whether at the state or local Government levels.”
Ramasamy went on to point out that it is not that the public authorities have no role in the regulation of gambling outlets and the sales and consumption of alcohol, but rather, their roles are only related to the licensing and regulation of activities related to alcohol and gambling.
“State or local authorities cannot ban gambling outlets or the sales of alcohol as these have been in existence in the country for a long time and they are already heavily regulated.
“Flouting related rules or regulations might mean the withdrawal of licenses or the imposition of penalties and not an outright ban.”
Ramasamy further noted that the recent ban on the sale of alcohol in sundry shops, retail stores and Chinese medicine shops in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur is an example of “overzealousness on the part of the authorities”.
The same can be said for the move by the Kedah state government to ban 4D gambling outlets and alcohol in rural areas, he added.
“These actions have nothing to with the requirements of Islam but is a blatant and irresponsible political move to project an image of compliance to Islam.
“These actions are not coincidental as they are happening at a time when UMNO, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) and PAS are locked in an electoral battle for the hearts and minds of the Malay-Muslims in the upcoming Melaka state elections.” – Nov 15, 2021
