The government's decision to allow Heineken Malaysia Bhd to continue its operations during the movement control order (MCO) has revived the debate on the sale of alcohol in a Muslim-majority nation.
In addressing the matter, Amanah communications director Khalid Samad delved into history and noted one Muslim caliphate's stand.
"What is the policy of Islam towards alcoholic beverages? This has been a question of debate for so long and not a new issue.
"Umar - 'Give the permission to them to sell it and you take from its tax'”, he tweeted.
Khalid was referring to Caliph Umar, who was one of the Islamic caliphates and companions of Prophet Muhammad.
The former minister also attached a screenshot of an excerpt of Islamic scholar Abu Ubayd's narration of Umar's justification.
According to the excerpt, Umar told another companion of the Prophet, Bilal, that tax collectors of the caliphate should tax those who sell swines and alcohol based on their revenue.
Meanwhile, Khalid also said that if this episode involving Heineken Malaysia had transpired during Pakatan Harapan's administration, the coalition's opponents who are now in government would have been up in arms.
"If this had happened during Harapan's time, there would have been chaos with chants of takbir, accusations of (Harapan being) 'kafir harbi' and such," he said.
The term kafir harbi is used to describe non-Muslims who are opposed to Islam.
Yesterday, it was reported that the Domestic Trade and Industry Ministry issued written approval for Heineken to operate during the MCO.
The letter inked by ministry secretary-general Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad stated that the beer producer was a food supply operator and therefore could operate during the partial lockdown.
This courted flak from several quarters, including Bersatu Youth, PAS and Umno. - Mkini
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