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THE brouhaha over yet another “beer incident” shows how some quarters of society want to impose religious norms and values on the other ethnic communities.
In the latest row, the storm erupted when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told Parliament that he would prefer that alcohols be not served in public halls within the school compounds.
He was singling out Chinese schools where it has been a long-standing practice to host weddings, temple dinners and entertainment events in these halls.
Anwar’s remarks were regarded as ordering a blanket ban on such activities in vernacular schools.
This prompted swift criticism from DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng who claimed that PMX has stirred a hornet’s nests.
The Bagan MP sees the move as an “unnecessary intrusion” into this traditional custom of the Chinese community.
‘Guan Eng is spot on’
However, the storm abated somewhat when the Cabinet later decided that alcohol beverages can be served in such halls that have been rented out without involving the students.
It may be a storm in the beer cup but the crux of the matter is that it is seen as “undermining the spirit of moderation and multi-culturalism” that can potentially disrupt race relations.
The Cabinet did the right thing in defusing the situation but hardline politicians like UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh cannot accept or refuse to acknowledge the racial and cultural diversity of the country.
The staunch defender of race and religion never misses a chance to exploit any sensitive issue concerning the non-Malay community which will boost his political standing.
The Merlimau state assemblyman was quick to pounce on this fresh controversy, even to the extent of criticising the Madani government for reversing PMX’s earlier stance that alcoholic beverages should not be served in the public halls of vernacular schools.
All in all, the tone is one of insinuation that PMX has to bow to political pressure, what more from DAP.
It appears that as long as the DAP is a coalition partner of the Madani government, it will always be the punching bag of politicians from both sides of the aisle.
But in all honesty, Guan Eng raised a valid point when he claimed the PMX was “pandering to extremists and racists” in wanting to ban the serving of alcohol in the compounds of vernacular schools.
‘Quoting bible’
Akmal fits the description of an extremist and racist for he has always be at the forefront in attacking the other ethnic groups by his words and actions.
Not too long ago, he condemned “drunkard” Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing for being “stupid” for allowing beer and wine to flow at what is regarded as an official Tourism Malaysia gala dinner.
And then there was his famous “Kepala Batas” battle when he rallied his “troops” to surround a hardware store where the Jalur Gemilang was flown upside down.
He derisively called the 59-year-old store owner Pang Chin Tian, “apek” instead of addressing him respectfully as uncle.
On the other side of the divide is PAS, the ever-vigilant moral police who are forever finding fault in the customs and practices of other races.
One of its leaders, Parit MP Muhammad Ismi Taib even resorted to quoting biblical verses to buttress his point that all religions, including Christianity, forbid the consumption of alcohol.
This is a clever ruse because the Islamist party is in reality pushing its religious agenda under the carapace of fraternal feelings.
Although PAS has been making overtures of friendship towards the non-Muslims and non-Malays, it is all a game of political expediency in preparation for the 16th General Election (GE16).
‘No Jingle Bells’
The beer episodes will not end. The moral police force will be closely monitoring the activities of the other ethnic communities to try and whip up a storm over the slightest infraction of religious laws.
Perhaps, all these far-right politicians are waiting to see whether the forbidden wine and beer – the “viper’s poison” – will flow unrestricted come this Christmas season.
In 2018, the then PAS Youth chief Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi had delivered his “fatwa” that Muslims are forbidden from extending Christmas greetings or posting them on Facebook because it is against the teachings of the official religion.
Remember how the Islamist party blew its top when Christmas carols were performed at the Housing and Local Government Ministry’s office in Putrajaya last December?
Its then Youth’s vice-chief Muhammad Hanif Jamaluddin condemned the performance as an “unforgivable violation of religious boundaries”. In other words, it disregarded the sensitivities of the Muslims.
So come this Dec 25, “Jingle Bells” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” will surely not be heard in government premises and probably in public places like shopping malls.
There could also be a gigantic billboard hanging in Putrajaya screaming: “Santa Claus, you are not welcome!” – Oct 29, 2025
Phlip Rodrigues is a retired journalist.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
The post Viper’s poison: Moral police force stirring up hornet’s nest over storm in beer cup first appeared on Focus Malaysia.
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