PKR, DAP support for Oktoberfest complicates spirit of cooperation, says PAS
(The Malaysian Insider) – The PAS Shura Council has criticised coalition partners PKR and DAP for disrespecting the Islamist party’s views on the recent Oktoberfest beer festival held in Selangor, reported Umno mouthpiece Utusan Malaysia.
The council’s acting deputy chief Datuk Dr Mahfodz Mohamed reportedly said that the two parties’ failure to heed PAS’s stand on the matter was further complicating the spirit of cooperation within Pakatan Rakyat.
He also questioned the parties’ rejection of PAS’s objection, adding that it was as though the Islamist party did not have any power in the administration of the state.
“This is what we are unhappy about, we have power in Selangor, where the menteri besar is also a Muslim, and Islam has to be respected as the official religion of Malaysia.
“Our objection should be considered by our coalition partners, given that Selangor is held by the opposition pact, and not by DAP and PKR, especially when it involves sensitive matters such as a beer festival,” he was quoted as saying in the report.
The Shura Council had slammed Selangor Menteri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali, which it claimed did not give consideration to the party’s objections.
“They have to respect the culture of the east and Islam, which does not condone beer-drinking being made into a festival and as a Pakatan component party, we voiced our disapproval.
“But it appears that the opinion of the clerics was not taken into consideration by the coalition partners, more so the menteri besar,” he told the Malay daily.
