DAP and Warisan should not feel the heat when a PAS lawmaker represents the concerns of his constituents in a cool manner, said Selangor PAS secretary Roslan Shahir Mohd Shahir.
He was responding to criticisms against Permatang Pauh MP Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan for objecting to the large-scale promotion of alcoholic beverages in the main lobby of a mall in Penang.
“Why can’t an MP, who is elected by the people, do his duty in representing the voice of the people?
“Fawwaz disclosed that he received complaints from Muslim patrons who felt uncomfortable with the huge promotion at the premises. Is it wrong for him to represent the interests of his own people?” Roslan asked in an article published in Harakah this morning.
Yesterday, DAP assemblyperson Daniel Gooi censured the PAS MP for “assuming the role of moral police” and pointed out that the mall’s management had complied with the law.
He urged the management not to bow to pressure from “narrow-minded” politicians in response to Fawwaz stating that the mall agreed to make certain changes.
Gooi also asked if the PAS MP would behave in a similar manner with regard to the various cultural and religious activities practiced in Penang.
On the other hand, Penang Warisan chairperson Jeff Ooi Chuan Aun said that premises that are permitted to sell liquor are regulated by the Customs Department and local councils.
“It is not the role of an MP to lecture or interfere in such matters, no matter how good their intentions may be. Why wasn’t such a visit forthcoming six decades ago, as it is the prerogative of non-Muslims to consume liquor?” he added, urging stakeholders not to be intimidated.
Disagreeing with the claims that Fawwaz does not have the “locus standi” to interfere in this issue, Roslan asked if an MP is not allowed to champion the interests of those he represents.
“There was no tension or confrontation when the PAS MP visited the mall (and met with the management), so why are DAP and Warisan feeling the heat?
“YB (Fawwaz) did not obstruct or prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages to non-Musims. He only asked for some changes to be made (to the promotion held in the lobby),” he added.
Congratulating Fawwaz for taking the right approach by negotiating with the management, he said: “DAP and mosquito parties like Warisan should not kick up a fuss when a PAS MP does his work .“
Citing the names of several individuals from DAP, Roslan said these elected representatives had been more aggressive in the past.
“The Permatang Pauh MP did not act aggressively. He took a peaceful and civil approach. So DAP, don’t get ‘hot’, learn from us,” he added. - Mkini
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