PENANG Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy said PAS’ brand of extremism is not suitable for Malaysia as the party’s “extremism, racism and bigotry have transcended the boundaries of human decency and logic”.
The Perai assemblyman said PAS leaders can defend Permatang Pauh MP Muhammad Fawwaz Muhammad Jan all they want but their “blind and cowardly defence” of Fawwaz is nothing but a blind partisan defence that has “nothing to with logic or reason”.
Ramasamy was referring to Penang PAS who has come out to defend the embattled MP who is accused by political rivals of overstepping his role in reprimanding a shopping mall over the open sale of alcohol.
“Alcohol promotion is something common in shopping malls in the country especially during festive seasons. Such promotions are meant for non-Muslims and not the Muslims. Nobody is forcing Muslims to attend such functions,” Ramasamy pointed out.
“What took place in the shopping mall in Seberang Jaya few days back was an event that promoted the sales of alcohol in conjunction with the Chinese New Year festival. This is not the first time and hopefully not going to be the last time.”
Ramsamy opined that the mall management should have displayed some courage in dealing with the protest lodged by “holier-than-thou” Fawwaz with his PAS henchmen who “had nothing better to do that particular day”.
“Normally such a protest would not have occurred but times are different. Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) new-found success in the recent general election had given its component party – PAS – to carry the mandate of Islam,” he remarked.
“The success of the green wave had definitely spurred the party to reap the political benefits in the next state elections and this is precisely why Fawwaz – who had wrested the seat from Nurul Izzah Anwar – had been emboldened to the extent he was prepared to engage in confrontations to stop the sales of alcohol primarily meant for non-Muslims.”
Ramasamy further noted that the march and protest lodged by Fawwaz gave an indication that there was an “imminent threat against Muslims” in the area.
“How could the promotion of alcohol in a shopping mall be of threat to Muslims when they have such strong and unshakeable faith in their religion?” he questioned.
“Fawwaz and his supporters’ action is a disgrace to his status as elected representative. There are many ways and means to channel complaints if they are genuine to the authorities about events and functions that are deemed to be unacceptable.”
Stressing that intimidation is not acceptable, Ramasamy called Fawwaz’s action “hardly civilised” and gave an impression that it was an act of bullying and coercing the mall management into not continuing with the promotion and sale of alcohol.
“I don’t understand why the mall management was completely overwhelmed as though they did something wrong to appear apologetic. If the mall management had obtained the necessary permits, why is there the need to fear extremists and bigots in PAS or any other political parties?
“Fawwaz has only been recently elected MP but he has shown his political immaturity, cowardice and contempt for the non-Muslims.
“PAS leaders can justify the action of Fawwaz, but the fact remains that they are unsuitable to represent the masses in the country.”
Earlier this week, Fawwaz, who is also Penang PAS Youth head, posted a video on his TikTok account of his visit to Sunway Carnival Mall in Seberang Jaya, where he told staff that the sale of liquor should not be promoted openly.
The video showed him near a beer display set up in conjunction with Chinese New Year and also talking with mall staff.
Following his meeting, he said the event organisers had welcomed the protest and will “act to organise it in a more private manner during this week”. – Jan 13, 2023
