Manufacturer of the local whiskey brand Timah, Winepak Corporation Sdn Bhd, has agreed to consider revamping its image which critics claimed insulted Islam or confuses Muslims.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said the agreement was reached during an inter-ministerial meeting with Winepak's representatives, as well as officers from the Islamic Development Department Malaysia (Jakim).
"Through the discussion, Winepak has requested for one week to discuss with its shareholders and board of directors to change the brand's name and image on the whiskey label.
"The matter was among agreements reached during a meeting yesterday between the company's representatives and government," Alexander said in a statement.
Among those present were Communications and Multimedia Minister Annuar Musa, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Idris Ahmad and National Unity Minister Halimah Mohamed Sadique.
Alexander said the hybrid meeting was held in a harmonious manner to reach a mutual consensus for the good of the nation.
He added that it also follows Winepak's initial meeting with the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) on Monday.
Responding to an initial outcry, Winepak had explained the Timah brand is named after the Malay word for tin ores, while its logo image of a bearded man in a skullcap represented Captain Tristram Speedy, an English officer during the British colonisation of Malaya.
Critics calling for a name change had equated Timah to a Muslim woman's name, going so far as alluding to Prophet Muhammad's granddaughter, Fatimah. - Mkini
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