Ex-armed forces chief wants liquor sale ban rescinded, questions motive

 

Former armed forces chief General (Rtd) Hashim Mohd Ali has come out in opposition to the ban on the sale of liquor at sundry shops, grocery stores, convenience stores and Chinese medicine shops from October next year by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

Voicing his support for the statement by Persatuan Patriot Kebangsaan President Brig-General (Rtd) Mohamed Arshad Raji, Hasim said that while it is not his business to promote alcohol consumption, the government must respect the rights of non-Muslims as we live in a multi-religious country and for many generations, there have been no problems on the sale of liquor from these outlets.

"The Malaysian armed forces is also multiracial and consist of both Muslims and non-Muslims. The open purchase and drinking of liquor for non-Muslim officers and soldiers from the Pernama (Malaysian Armed Forces Trading Corporation) stores have never been a problem.

"In fact, it allows the senior officers to monitor the purchase and drinking behaviour of non-Muslim armed forces personnel under their watch," said Hashim in a statement today.

"There have been no local studies and evidence whatsoever to suggest that the sale of liquor from such outlets has been linked to the problem of drink driving or even health.

"There are far more harmful things, such as cigarettes, that are being sold from these outlets and there must be no double standards involved in coming out with such a policy to curb the sale of liquor.

"Furthermore, the last thing that our economy needs in this or the post-pandemic crisis is further curbs on legitimate business activities," said Hashim who is also president of the Chiefs' Circle made up of retired armed forces chiefs.

"What is even more alarming is that PAS' Ahmad Marzuk Shaary, the deputy minister in Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) has stated that the ban may be extended to other states.

Federal Territories Minister Annuar Musa had said that the new guidelines in regards to liquor licences were made after conducting surveys on guidelines used in other countries prior to implementation here.

"I would just like to remind ministerial newbies not to be blindly overzealous in enforcing their religious beliefs on Malaysians of other faiths.

"That in itself is against the fundamental tenets of Islam which commands Muslims in authority to protect the rights and liberties of non-Muslims under their care," said Hashim.

He called upon the authorities concerned to rescind the liquor ban as it may undermine the spirit of the Rukun Negara, national unity and the cultural harmony that has been enjoyed between Muslims and non-Muslims. - Mkini