The International Association for Women’s Advocacy and Rights Malaysia (i-AWARE) fully supports the statement by the Minister at the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) YB Datuk Haji Idris Ahmad who stated that the non-Muslims in this country are free to consume alcohol. However, for the government to advocate this activity through the promotion of Oktoberfest is simply not appropriate as it can be misconstrued or, worse, give negative connotations that can sow discord and jeopardize safety.
This is taking into account the public outcry on the rising social problems concerning alcohol intoxication or any negative repercussions from alcohol consumption that are now thriving within the community, which could very well affect family life and the younger generations’ wellbeing.
Oktoberfest is not our culture and should never be, therefore, there is no reason why we should celebrate it year after year or include it as part of our cultural activities as more than 60% of our population are Muslims and it’s common knowledge that alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited in Islam.
Alcohol-related festivity of this sort could not guarantee the harmony and social wellbeing of the community at large are not at stake for the sake of entertainment of certain quarters enjoying the financial rewards attained through promoting and organizing these sorts of events.
The statement by Sinar Harian dated 17th June 2020 stated that cases relating to drunk driving were considered alarming judging from its rising trend as shown for 2019 to the first six months of 2020.
An expert on the National Road Safety, Professor Dr. Kulantayan KC Mani, said that this upward trend has seen a rapid increase from 2018 and worse still, the casualties were not the drunk drivers themselves but the innocent bystanders, pedestrians and other road users.
The proposed exclusion of Oktoberfest is also in line with the government’s decision which had already amended the Road & Transport Act 1987 which is to impose a heavier penalty on these drunk drivers after reviewing this worrying trend of drunk driving-related accidents and deaths.
In view of this, i-AWARE vehemently urges the government to continue to be stern on this issue and never bow down to certain quarters’ demands and unnecessary requests to safeguard the safety and harmony of the people of this country.
Yang Berhormat Dato' Hajah Mumtaz Haji Md Nawi President The International Association for Women’s Advocacy and Rights Malaysia (i-AWARE)
Comments