Penang PAS defends Fawwaz after criticism over alcohol sale rebuke

BUTTERWORTH – Penang PAS has come out to defend its embattled Permatang Pauh MP Muhammad Fawwaz Mat Jan who is accused by political rivals of overstepping his role by reprimanding a shopping mall, here over the open sale of alcohol. 

In a statement, today, Mohd Yusni Mat Piah, who is also the Penaga assemblyman and state PAS deputy commissioner III, said that Fawwaz had a right to inform the mall here, as he was only representing the interests of the Malay-Muslim majority within the vicinity.

In Permatang Pauh, Yusni disclosed that 74.49% of the voters are Muslims and it is his role as an elected representative to safeguard their sensitivities.

Furthermore, Yusni said the interests of the Muslims were not being defended by the DAP-led state government here. 

This, he alleged, can be seen by the number of alcohol permits issued by the state.

Without citing where he obtained the figures, Yusni said that since 2020, 80 permits have been issued for alcohol in the Bayan Lepas constituency, the second after the Komtar constituency, which had 108 permits.

The number of Muslim voters in Bayan Lepas is 65.05%, Yusni stressed.

“I had posed a question for the total number of outlets with alcohol permits in Penang, but the state cited that it did not have the figures,” said Yusni.

He questioned how such a large number of permits was issued for alcohol sales in localities where there are many Muslim voters.

“There is also no data to show a demand for it in such places,” said Yusni.

Penang needs to learn from Kedah on the sale of alcohol after the latter was reported as saying that it would only be sold in non-Muslim areas, he added.

“It must be sold based on demand only,” said Yusni.

He said he hopes that religious sensitivities can be upheld in the country, which is made up diverse groups.

“This is important to preserve peace and stability,” said Yusni.

Meanwhile, Penang PKR legal bureau head Jason Ong Khan Lee, who is also Kebun Bunga assemblyman, said that he read with disbelief on how the Permatang Pauh MP tried to create an issue out of nothing by imposing his personal views and beliefs on the mall – even though the mall did not contravene any laws or local by-laws.

“As an elected MP, he is supposed to represent all races in the community.”

Fawwaz should have dignity and humility while displaying leadership qualities in trying to resolve the matter, he added.

“I trust he does not need to be reminded that an MP’s job is to debate policies and bills – rather than resorting to moral and religious policing, especially in imposing his personal views and beliefs on private organisations,” he said.

Fawwaz, who is also Penang PAS Youth chief, posted a video on his TikTok account showing his visit to the Sunway Carnival Mall 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 interactions with the mall staff.

The incident drew criticism from Penang Warisan chairman Jeff Ooi Chuan Aun as well as DAP elected representatives Heng Lee Lee and Daniel Gooi Zi Sen respectively, who lambasted Fawwaz for overstepping his authority as a lawmaker.

Penang DAP committee member Zairil Khir Johari urged Gerakan to state its stand on Fawwaz’s actions since the party (Gerakan) is part of the Perikatan Nasional coalition, which also consists of PAS and Bersatu.

Social media users also criticised Fawwaz, saying he should focus on economic growth instead of harping on morality issues.

Others said commercial premises are permitted to sell liquor if they follow the rules, and that the sale of alcohol is regulated by the Customs Department and local councils and does not need moral policing.

Fawwaz pulled off a major upset in the 15th general election last November when he defeated incumbent MP Nurul Izzah Anwar in Permatang Pauh, which was considered a PKR stronghold. – The Vibes, January 12, 2023