Selangor Menteri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali has instructed his lawyers to issue a letter of demand to Malay daily Utusan Malaysia for claiming that he had approved a "beer festival" in the state.
In a statement today, the Selangor Menteri Besar's Office said the front page report was false and designed to mislead the public.
"We challenge Utusan Malaysia to produce proof that he had said any such thing.
"The menteri besar demands an unconditional retraction, public apology and damages from Utusan Malaysia," the statement reads.
Utusan Malaysia's front page headline today reads: "Azmin benar pesta arak" (Azmin allows beer festival). The accompanying sub-heading is "Tidak hirau amaran PDRM mengenai ancaman pengganas" (Ignores police warning on terrorist threat).
The first paragraph of the report states that the "PKR Selangor government" will not stop the "Better Beer Festival 2017" in the state.
The report paraphrases Azmin as purportedly stating that this move was part of the state government's stand on respecting the rights of other ethnic groups and religions.
An accompanying report cites PAS and NGO leaders condemning Azmin.
Selangor PAS commissioner Sallehen Mukhyi said alcohol was not the exclusive right of any ethnic group or religion, and that it was condemned by all religions.
Meanwhile, the Selangor Menteri Besar's Office clarified that Azmin had told the press yesterday that any event that required local authority approval must meet all its conditions.
"He will not pre-empt the local authority in this regard. As menteri besar, it is his solemn duty to uphold and follow the laws, by-laws and procedures of the state.
"The state government's position is that as a responsible government, not only do we need to respect the rights of other races and religions but we must also protect their rights," read the statement.
Azmin is currently in India on a business trip.- Mkini
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