Many Malaysians in the Klang Valley have probably heard of The Better Beer Festival, a craft beer festival that’s held annually in Publika, Mont Kiara.
This year’s upcoming festival will be held next month on the 6th and 7th of October. However, it seems like not every Malaysian is looking forward to this.
Recently, the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) has condemned the festival in a statement on Harakah Daily, calling it a “vice festival” that’s shameful and would give Kuala Lumpur the title of “Asia’s vice centre” if they continued with festivals like this.
Source: Facebook
The statement, written by PAS committee member, Riduan Mohd Nor, said that the festival was shocking and will incite anger among Muslims. A translated excerpt from the statement reads,
“It is something that is shameful for an Islamic country like Malaysia, when treacherous programmes can easily gain a place in society’s heart and it is allowed to be organised without obstruction.”
“We can’t bear it if Kuala Lumpur is known by the world as the biggest centre of vice in Asia.”
Source: Thirst Kuala Lumpur
“Although Muslims are not the target for participation, there are no limits or obstructions if there are Muslims who join, and invite anyone to attend including Muslims,” he added in the statement.
“What is the guarantee of safety that can be given to the public who are not involved, such as crime, free sex, rape and so on?”
Source: Malay Mail Online
This certainly isn’t the first time PAS has actively spoken out against serving alcohol, either. Earlier this year, the party requested Malaysia Airlines to stop serving alcohol to their passengers on flights, saying that thousands of Muslim flight attendants were forced to serve alcohol despite it being contrary to their religious beliefs.
What do you think of this recent statement regarding the craft beer festival? Do you agree with it? Let us know in the comment section!
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