RESPECT THE COMMUNITY

THE debate over the non-approval of the Better Beer Festival 2017 continues to be more than a thorn in the side of Malaysians.

I would not be surprised if saying anything about it here would rain brickbats, all the more given that I am in politics.

But if we can, just this once, leave aside our own brand of politics, religion, race and rights, we can have a great opportunity to see beyond the multiple shades of creed, colour, rights and threats, for therein lie progressive conclusions.

I invite everyone concerned, worried, hurt or threatened by the festival episode to put aside our differences and preferences and challenge ourselves to look at the fundamentals.

Non-Malay and non-Muslim communities have the freedom to patronise drinking holes.

No Muslim or Malay has protested in public, demanding that you cannot have your pints.

Every year, as the countdown to each new year starts, nonMuslims and non-Malays have had their every right intact as they make a beeline to fun places to usher in the new year with alcohol. Nobody said you cannot do it.

Despite being a 60 per cent Muslim nation, non-Malays and nonMuslims continue to have their non-halal spreads in restaurants.

Likewise, many among our multiracial communities have their celebrations and festivals, weddings and events where serving alcoholic drinks in the homes of non-Muslims and nonMalays is a right and freedom that is intact.

Where is the extremism that we are screaming and hurling in every direction, in the wake of this dispute over a beer festival in public spaces, if I may ask?

Now, if we honour and pledge to live by our very own Asian values, having a public festival of intoxicating beverages is certainly not subscribed, encouraged or even openly celebrated and promoted in public space.

The golden principle that has kept Asian cultures and traditions intact throughout the centuries is the ability to let Asian values dominate our public and private spheres.

The Better Beer Festival could have been organised in a private space, and would not have infringed on our fellow Muslim citizens.

z