KUALA LUMPUR – Once again DAP and PAS are embroiled in a verbal tit for tat over alcohol sales with Selangor PAS Youth chief Mohamed Sukri Omar pouring scorn over state executive councillor Datuk Teng Chang Khim’s now-deleted comments.
In an apparent swipe, DAP veteran Teng had posted on his Facebook page that “if you get intoxicated just by looking, that’s your problem, not the alcohol’s… your prayers have been in vain”.
This comes after Permatang Pauh MP Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan purportedly “advised” Sunway Carnival Mall in Seberang Jaya, Penang against openly selling alcohol.
After deleting his comment, Teng then defended himself by posting that he was not backing down but did not want others to take advantage of or gain from the situation.
However, Sukri accused Teng of being impertinent in linking alcohol sales with prayers, and intentionally fanning religious sentiments.
“Teng seems to have a lot of free time to insinuate himself into an issue outside of Selangor. He is willing to ‘cross state lines’ with a rude (Facebook) post because he ‘loves’ alcohol,” said the PAS man in a statement.
Sukri added that Selangor PAS Youth backs Fawwaz as selling alcohol openly brings harm, such as drunk driving, which in some cases has led to deaths.
“Selangor should be ashamed to have such a representative. Where are Muslim (executive councillors) who have kept mum?”
Fawwaz’s so-called moral policing has ruffled feathers in Penang with Warisan and Gerakan members calling him out.
Fawwaz, who is also Penang PAS Youth head, posted a video on his TikTok account showing his visit to the 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.
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, 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 did 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 is trying to reach out to Seberang Prai City Council and Fawwaz over his TikTok video. – The Vibes, January 12, 2023
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