GEORGE TOWN – It is better to educate the public on the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption and gambling instead of adopting unilateral approaches to object to such vices, said a former religious affairs minister.
Datuk Mujahid Yusuf Rawa said if PAS feels strongly about the ill effects of alcohol consumption and gambling, they should join the national educational effort to curb such social tendencies.
Resorting to unilaterally compelling private commercial entities to stop selling beer can be misconstrued as a hardline approach, said the Amanah vice-president.
In Islam, there is no tolerance for the consumption of alcohol or gambling as it is proven to ruin lives and adds to social ills, he said.
But on the same token, non-Muslims are allowed alcohol if they abide by strict conditions, he said.
However, no party condones excessive or habitual intake of alcohol or gambling to the point of bankruptcy, he stressed.
Mujahid said that if non-Muslims host quiet private parties at home where alcohol is present, it can be tolerated as it is within their rights.
But if the guests or hosts disrupt the peace among their neighbours, it contravenes the law, and the authorities must act, he said.
Mujahid told The Vibes in an interview that the main concern of any country is the abuse of gambling and alcohol consumption, as even if some religions permit it, there is only moderate room for tolerance.
“I think every religion condemns it, especially Islam, if a gambler gambles away his property and the family has nothing to live on. PAS can lend its power and resources to help curb such evils,” he said.
But to chide a shopping mall, which is a private commercial entity, without referring to the local city council that had issued the approval permits in the first place, is going overboard, he said.
He said that while alcohol and gambling are big nos in Islam, non-Muslims are allowed exemptions, as they are also allowed to practise freedom of religion under the constitution.
Mujahid also noted that there are laws governing the process.
As long as they comply with the existing laws and by-laws, such premises can be allowed to operate, but no Muslims should patronise them, he said.
Mujahid added that if there is a need to reduce the presence of alcohol, it can be done as such enterprises are market-driven.
If more people are educated about the dangers of alcohol and gambling, their addiction rates can be lowered, and demand will fall, said Mujahid.
He said that PAS’ approach illustrated that it was seeking political mileage, as the party did not consult any authority first before deciding to visit the mall.
Hence, there was a widespread protest by the non-Muslim community because many quarters felt that PAS was overstepping their boundaries, he said.
Permatang Pauh MP and Penang PAS Youth head Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan had recently visited Sunway Carnival Mall to protest the open selling of beers in the recently renovated main lobby.
It is understood that the beer was sold as part of the Chinese New Year celebrations and similar exhibits are common in other malls.
Fawwaz posted a video on his TikTok account recently of his visit, in which he told staff that the sale of liquor should not be promoted openly.
The video showed him talking with staffers near a beer display.
The incident drew criticism from Penang Warisan chairman Jeff Ooi as well as DAP assemblyman Heng Lee Lee and Daniel Gooi, who lambasted Fawwaz for overstepping his authority as a lawmaker.
Social media users 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.
Fawwaz pulled off a major upset in the 15th general election last November when he defeated incumbent Nurul Izzah Anwar in Permatang Pauh, which was considered a PKR stronghold.
He could not be reached for comment over his TikTok clip. – The Vibes, January 15, 2023
