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PETALING JAYA: A former head of the armed forces called on the government to repeal the ban on the sale of hard liquor by the Kuala Lumpur City Council (DBKL), saying that Islam commands Muslims in authority to protect the rights and freedoms of non Muslims.
In a statement today, Hashim Mohd Ali also expressed alarm at what Deputy Prime Minister (Religious Affairs) Deputy Minister Ahmad Marzuk Shaary said last week about the possible extension of the ban to other states.
“I’d just like to remind ministerial rookies not to be blindly overzealous in imposing their religious beliefs on Malaysians of other faiths,” said Hashim, president of the Circle of Chiefs, a group made up of retired military chiefs.
“That in itself goes against the fundamental principles of Islam, which commands Muslims with authority to protect the rights and freedoms of non-Muslims in their care.
“I would like to ask the concerned authorities to repeal this prohibition of alcoholic beverages. Failure to do so may undermine the spirit of our Rukun Negara, national unity, and the harmony and cultural diversity that we have enjoyed between Muslims and non-Muslims. “
Hashim said that while he did not want to be seen as a promoter of alcohol consumption, it was essential that the rights of non-Muslims be respected, as Malaysia is a multi-religious country that has not had problems with the sale of liquor in those establishments.
DBKL announced its liquor license guidelines for 2021 last week, with grocery stores, convenience stores and Chinese medicine stores in Kuala Lumpur losing the right to sell hard liquor starting October 1 of next year.
Beer can be sold at these locations from 7 am to 9 pm but must be placed separately from other beverages.
Hashim said that while there have been no local studies or evidence to suggest that the sale of liquor at such outlets is related to the problem of driving under the influence or even health, he said that much more harmful things were being sold. , like cigarettes. at the points of sale.
“There should be no double standard involved in coming out with such a policy to curb the sale of liquor. The last thing our economy needs in this crisis or in the post-pandemic is more restrictions on legitimate business activities. “
The National Association of Patriots (Patriota), an NGO representing retired officers of the armed forces, had also voiced its objection against DBKL’s move to curb the sale of alcoholic beverages.
Questioning the authorities whether consuming liquor was more dangerous than corruption, Patriot Chairman Mohamed Arshad Raji said the suggestion to extend the ban to the rest of the country was unnecessary and ridiculous.
