It’s not about votes but the law, ex-MCA veep tells Mujahid

 

Ti Lian Ker has told Mujahid Yusof Rawa that MCA’s criticism of a proposed ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages in Malay areas revolves around the law and constitutional rights and liberties.

PETALING JAYA: 

A former MCA vice-president is befuddled as to why Amanah thinks its opposition to a proposal banning the sale of alcoholic beverages in Malay areas is about wooing the Chinese electorate.

Ti Lian Ker said the party’s criticism of the proposed ban revolved around the law and constitutional rights and liberties.

The former deputy unity minister, who recently argued that city councils cannot arbitrarily ban the sale of liquor and alcoholic drinks, said Amanah deputy president Mujahid Yusof Rawa was barking up the wrong tree.

“It’s ludicrous. Why is Amanah pretending to be oblivious to the breach of the rule of law and perpetuating a trespass on the fundamental rights and guarantees of the constitution and the law?

“Is Amanah defending and closing their eyes to the possibility of continuing violation of the Federal Constitution and infringement of the federal laws?

“As backbenchers, we’re not barred from voicing out any trespass or abuse of the law. It is our duty and responsibility to keep the government leaders, officials and authorities in check.

“We cannot be a party to these abuses and choose to ignore the fundamental rights and liberties of the people just because we are supporting the government. This is worse for those who failed to uphold the law, despite promising to uphold them in the past,” he told FMT.

Ti was responding to Mujahid, who was reported as urging MCA to help with curbing alcohol abuse, which he said was more important than trying to win over a segment of voters by politicising the issue.

Mujahid had said on Thursday that Perak MCA should not politicise the matter when competing with DAP for non-Malay votes.

Ti said it was ironic that Mujahid was seemingly against upholding the rule of law, especially since the phrase was one that DAP would often quote.

“Do I need to educate Mujahid, a senator, on his duties and responsibilities as a lawmaker to respect and uphold the rule of law and the spirit of the constitution?” he said.

He said that while Mujahid claimed that MCA was out to fish for votes by supposedly politicising the issue, the same could be said for Amanah.

Amanah, after all, is a PAS-splinter party and is also competing for votes with the Islamic party.

“And in this case, Amanah would have a greater motive to speak out against MCA and back the proposal,” he said.

While Ti admitted that alcohol addiction is a social problem prevalent in all societies, including in countries where alcohol was banned, he said MCA was not out to deprive anyone of their rights. - FMT