Jeram rep softens tone after backlash over call to shut down alcohol section

 

Jeram state assemblyperson Mohd Shaid Rosli, fiercely criticised for his role in pressuring a supermarket to close its alcohol section, has softened his stance by saying he merely made a suggestion on behalf of his constituents.

"I did not force or push the (Jaya Grocer) management to close its alcohol section in its newly opened outlet in Puncak Alam.

"The memorandum I submitted on behalf of residents objecting to the sale of alcohol was a mere suggestion for the management to consider," he told The Malaysian Insight.

Shaid was elected to the Selangor State Assembly in 2018 as a Bersatu representative. He is currently an independent aligned to former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his party Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang).

"We did not push Jaya Grocer to close the (alcohol) section because they are licensed to sell alcohol.

"Residents have the right to ask for the sale of alcohol to be stopped, but the decision to stop or to continue is up to the management.

"The memorandum sent was based on the demand from the residents in Puncak Alam, which is part of my constituency," he added.

This contrasted sharply with the strident tone he initially used in addressing the issue when he posted "This is Puncak Alam. This is Malay territory" on Facebook and called for the outlet to "respect the sensitivities of the 90 percent Muslim population in Puncak Alam".

The outlet in Eco Grandeur opened on Dec 2 and residents complained about the sale of alcohol in the supermarket. This resulted in an online petition and Shaid visited the outlet and submitted the memorandum.

At the time, Shaid claimed he was acting on complaints, which included an increase in alcohol-related social crimes and strained family ties, from at least three residents associations.

"Based on cooperation that they (Jaya Grocer's management) have given us, we can continue to support (their business) by shopping there," he said.

Jaya Grocer then moved to close its non-halal section but this was met with backlash from customers who questioned whether the management is discriminating against non-Muslim patrons.- Mkini