Selangor PAS clerics want Islamic by-laws to curb alcohol promotion

(Malay Mail Online) – Amid ongoing hoopla over Oktoberfest advertisements in Selangor, a conservative faction of in the state chapter of PAS pressed the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) state government today to enact by-laws based on Shariah principles to stop future promotion of events where alcohol ― forbidden to Muslims ― will be present.

The Selangor PAS Dewan Ulama said it will be submitting a memorandum this afternoon at the Petaling Jaya city council to protest against the Oktoberfest beer festival, even as it reminded recently-appointed Mentri Besar Azmin Ali of his Islamic religious duty.

“Without denying the right of non-Muslims to consume alcohol, DUPNS believes that by making it an open festival and by advertising it to the public, without any guarantee from the organisers that Muslims will not be involved in the organising or as participants in the festival, it is considered disrespectful to the sensitivities of the multi-racial population, of which the majority do not believe that consuming alcohol is good or moral behaviour,” the state Islamist party’s cleric wing said in a statement, referring to itself by its Malay initials.

It also called on the state government and local town councils to make Section 18 of the Shariah Criminal Enactment (Selangor) 1995 as the main condition for approvals or permits in matters involving beer and hard liquor.

Several Muslim groups, including Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma), have taken aim at Oktoberfest this month, claiming the event will tarnish Malaysia’s image as an “Islamic country” and “bring ruin” to the nation.

Although the event is promoted to non-Muslims, several Muslim groups have urged their supporters to rally against the event and venues that serve alcohol as part of the festival.

The Muslim groups’ ire against Oktoberfest was raised at the sight of billboards in Shah Alam ― a majority-Malay city ― promoting the event, though the festival is scheduled this weekend at a shopping centre in Petaling Jaya, a multi-racial metropolitan city.

Oktoberfest is held annually in Malaysia with the two biggest breweries GAB and Carlsberg holding several drinking parties in major towns nationwide.

Oktoberfest was originally celebrated in Munich, Germany to accompany horse races, but has grown into “the world’s largest funfair”, attracting millions of visitors every year.