GEORGE TOWN – The widespread controversy on Malaysian-made Timah whiskey may be an indication of how intolerant the Perikatan Nasional government would be in the future, said Ramkarpal Singh Deo.
Ramkarpal, who is the son of the late Karpal Singh and now heads DAP's national legal bureau, said that it is most unfortunate that the issue has escalated into what it is with Timah’s manufacturers now considering changing the name.
“I fail to see how the brand Timah can cause confusion or touch on religious sensitivities as it is clear as has been explained, that it is related to the tin mining industry in Perak and that the person depicted on the brand was a British officer during the British colonial rule in Malaya,” Ramkarpal said in a statement.
“With the spotlight so heavily on Timah recently and the numerous explanations that have surfaced to explain that it has no connection with any religion, it is difficult to understand how anyone could be confused as to what it means, which raises the question as to why its manufacturers are even considering a name change.”
On the contrary, a name change may lead some to erroneously believe that there is some truth in the rhetoric of those opposing the brand, which defies common sense, he said.
“I am of the view that there is no need to go into the legality of the brand as I do not think any law has been breached.
“Now PAS has announced the ‘good news’ that the cabinet has decided that no manufacturer will be allowed to produce anything (brand names) that can cause unrest, especially in the context of race and religion.
“One has to wonder if PAS has anything to offer when it comes to current issues affecting the country such as how the pandemic has ravaged the economy and how it intends to overcome these challenges.
“The Timah controversy ought not to have happened in the first place as it indicates sheer ignorance on the part of the government who, instead of educating those who are misinformed, further contributed to it becoming an issue from a non-issue,” said Ramkarpal. – The Vibes, October 31, 2021
