Despite having reportedly ordering a ban on beer festivals, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi now says it is a police operational matter.
As such, Zahid told reporters in Bangi today, that questions on the matter should be directed to inspector-general of police (IGP) Mohamad Fuzi Harun (photo) instead.
He said this when questioned on the timing of the ban, with the next general election being imminent, even though these beer events have been held annually for years, without incident.
“This is a very technical and operational question. I think the question should be directed to the IGP,” Zahid said in reply to reporters.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating the National Welfare Month at the Industrial Training and Rehabilitation Centre.
Bernama had previously quoted Zahid on Sept 26 saying that he had directed the police to cancel the Better Beer Festival.
Fuzi was reportedly present at the press conference at the time, and said the police had received information that some quarters were plotting to attack participants at the event.
The Better Beer Festival due to be held on Oct 6 and 7. The organiser, Mybeer (M) Sdn Bhd, objected to the cancellation, saying that previous events had been held without untoward incidents.
Subsequently, it was reported that a “German Food and Beverage Festival”, due to be held in Klang, was also banned on grounds that alcohol would be served at the event. The event slated for Oct 12 and 13.
"We will not give approval as per the instructions given by Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi recently for police to ensure that there are no alcohol festivals organised," Bernama quoted Klang Utara district police chief Mazelan Paijan as saying.
Meanwhile, Zahid, who is also the Bagan Datok MP, told reporters that the government is in final stages of drafting the Social Workers Act, and the draft is expected to be tabled in the cabinet within a month.
He said the new law would improve Malaysia’s social services as Malaysia’s demography grows older.
The prime minister, Zahid said, was also concerned about social ills afflicting the youth, including juvenile crime, drug abuse, vandalism and teenage pregnancy.
As such, he said, a town hall session would be held within the next 45 days to look for solutions to the problem.
Zahid was also asked to comment on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) arrest of a Bagan Datok Umno Youth leader in relation to the alleged RM40 million misappropriation of Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) funds.
He replied, “Never mind. Just let the MACC investigate.”- Mkini
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