‘Politically sensitive’ beer festival ban divides Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR — The controversy over a decision by Kuala Lumpur authorities to bar an annual craft beer festival continued to rage yesterday, as starkly divergent views were laid bare.

The event organiser had said that it was informed by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) officials that the decision was made “due to the political sensitivity surrounding the event”.

The opposition Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) earlier claimed the event would encourage immorality and lead to criminal acts, free sex and rape.

Politicians across the political divide have slammed the decision.

Opposition Democratic Action Party (DAP) leader and Penang’s Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said yesterday that banning an event over “political sensitivities” can set a dangerous precedent. He said if political sensitivities could be used as a reason, it raised concerns that other events and even businesses could face problems over the same “excuse”. He said many non-Muslims would fear that this was just the beginning, and that their way of life would be restricted just because of statements made by some politicians.

“The festival was held for the past four years without any problems. So, what’s next? Will they ban pubs, liquor shops and the Hungry Ghost festival ... where beer is served? Will they say no pork can be served, too?” he asked.

“Using this excuse is very dangerous. It provides an avenue for the gross abuse of power and arbitrary decision-making that is not subject to the rule of law. It is a gross transgression of our fundamental principle of respect for the rule of law.”

Kuala Lumpur mayor Mohd Amin Nordin Abd Aziz had declined to comment on the decision except to say that it was “a sensitive issue”.

The ban is seen as a latest sign of creeping conservatism in Malaysia, where critics say increasingly vocal Islamic hardliners and politicians are eroding a traditionally moderate brand of the religion.

Pub owner Kennhyn Ang told The Malaysian Insight that the ban has created worry among people in the beer industry. “There is concern whether in future, other large events with beer as a feature will be restricted,” Mr Ang said.

Weighing in on the issue yesterday, Gerakan Youth legal bureau chairman Chai Ko Thing urged DBKL to reconsider its decision, saying it “should not bow down to political or extremist pressure, which is inconsistent with laws and regulations that protect the rights and interests of all communities in a diverse Malaysian society”. Gerakan is a member of the ruling coalition.

“This is clearly an attempt by PAS to push its political agenda by forcing the authorities to act in a manner that is inconsistent with the Federal Constitution and individual rights,” he said.

A day earlier, the spokesman for the Malaysian Chinese Association — another member of the ruling coalition, said that the city hall should not be seen to be making decisions at their whims and fancies, or cave in to political or extremist pressure. Five opposition lawmakers from the DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat had also objected to the announcement.

However, Mr Ibrahim Ali, the president of Malay rights group Perkasa said yesterday that opposition lawmakers who are against the cancellation of the event should have first met DBKL in a closed-door meeting to identify the reason for the ban since it is a sensitive matter, before speaking to reporters.

Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainal Abidin yesterday defended Muslims who had criticised beer festivals. He noted that even though drinking alcoholic beverages was the right of non-Muslims, beer festivals could have a negative impact on society.

“Those who disagree with such festivals are not necessarily against entertainment,” he said. “What has halal polygamy got to do with beer festivals?” he added, noting that “Muslims too should practise good ethics when airing their views on this issue”.

It is understood that Mr Asri’s remarks, in a post on his Facebook page, were in response to comments by a former ruling party minister that the group preferred polygamy over events, entertainment and singing.

Mr Zaid Ibrahim, who is now with the DAP, wrote on Facebook: “Those who oppose beer festivals are in the same group. They don’t want festivals, don’t want entertainment, don’t want singing. Two to three wives are allowed, the younger, the better.” AGENCIES