THE thorny issue of alcohol sales has reared its ugly head again with a post on X (formerly Twitter) highlighting how some feel that open promotions should not be permitted at all.
The poster using the handle @coolservant further backed up his stand by sharing what he perceived to be the relevant law.
Just went to Aeon Kepong, am i living in kaffir country?
Alcohol is sold openly here for sale promotion.. pic.twitter.com/7Ts9y8lXVH
— coolservant (@coolservant) February 18, 2024
One netizen chided the poster for making a mountain out of a molehill, suggesting that the language – “am I living in kafir (infidel) country” – was inflammatory.
More than one netizen pointed to the area’s demographics – Kepong which is a Chinese-majority district – and the Lunar New Year for the display (to which the poster had disagreed with as seen above).
A few netizens were a bit more scathing with the choice of words, asking how the mere sight of alcoholic beverages can be so offensive to the eyes.
Another even suggested that the poster emigrate to more halal (permissible)/less-kafir pastures.
Others did not mince their words for telling the poster off for using the ‘kafir country’ label, when they should know better having lived in a multi-racial country all their life.
A few pointed to the obvious hypocrisy as no complaints are heard about the sale of tobacco products which are also haram (prohibited).
Some netizens did agree with the poster and argued that such displays should not be allowed as it “normalised” alcohol consumption – not just for Muslims but among the under-aged as well. Nevertheless, such comments were very much in the minority.
One netizen told the poster in no uncertain terms to mind his own business.
This post seemingly highlights the over-sensitivity of some folks who in their infinite wisdom seem to overlook the fact that Malaysia is a multi-ethnic and multi-culture society. By harping on non-issues such as this merely highlights their own insensitivities towards the rights of other communities.
This is not about whether alcohol consumption should be encouraged. It is very much an issue of minority rights. This post is but an extension of the ketuanan (supremacy) concept where certain doctrines are forced down the throats of others and everyone must be mindful of not offending or upsetting the right-wingers.
Even if citizens do not partake in the consumption of alcohol, they must reject such dogmatic views that seek to impinge on the liberties of citizens.
From the sale of alcohol beverages to wearing shorts at hospitals and government departments, Malaysians must put a stop to such narrow-mindedness lest it sends the country further down the road of blinkered hypocrisy. – Feb 29, 2024
