KUCHING: Movement of Change Sarawak (MOCS) has described a proposal by Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) Information chief Kamaruzaman Mohamad to suspend production and sale of alcohol as “ridiculous and nonsensical”.
“Banning all sales and licences of alcohol beverages in convenience stores’ so as to stop drink driving? How pathetic is that!
“Why not ban all motorcycles and cars on the road? Then there will be zero road accidents,” said MOCS chairman Francis Paul Siah.
He said MOCS doubted the sincerity of Kamaruzaman’s statement and viewed it as “an attempt by this young PAS leader to highlight his Islamic credentials.”
“Perhaps, to hasten his climb up the PAS hierarchy,” he added.
“Now it’s alcohol. Next would likely be gambling. Then, he would pick on certain entertainment shows and even some eateries which he does not like.
“We’ve heard enough of such nonsense from PAS and we wish to advise Kamaruzaman to stop politicising such issues,” said Siah.
He pointed out that a ban on alcohol was not the answer to the problem of drink-driving.
“Stricter laws and enforcement are. We’ll support even a life sentence for drunk drivers who cause fatal accidents. They must be punished severely.”
Siah said if Kamaruzaman wished to help in curbing road mishaps, he could start by encouraging Mat Rempit (illegal motorcycle racers) to give up such a dangerous thrill-seeking hobby.
“Many Mat Rempit had lost their lives and their increasing number continued to pose a danger to other motorists.
“Banning alcohol also infringes on the rights of people of different tenets and beliefs and Kamaruzaman should take note that in plural Malaysia, no one religion is more superior than the other.”
Siah added that Malaysians had co-existed in peace and harmony because they tolerated, respected and celebrated the different religious and cultural practices of each other.
