IGP: Militants and other parties plotting to sabotage fest

KUALA LUMPUR: The Better Beer Festival 2017 cannot be allowed to go on due to fears of a possible attack by militant groups, the Inspector-General of Police said.

Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said Bukit Aman received intelligence that a militant group was planning to sabotage the event as it was against its struggle.

“We also received information that several parties planned to cause trouble during the event, so it might turn into a serious security matter,” he said.

The IGP said Bukit Aman must be proactive in voicing its objection to the event to prevent any untoward incident.

“Our stand against the hosting of the event is also aimed at preserving the safety and security of the people,” he added.

On Monday, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) said it had rejected the organiser’s application to hold the event. It received the application for a permit on Aug 28.

DBKL’s announcement came a week after PAS central committee member Dr Riduan Mohd Nor spoke out against the event, calling it a “pesta maksiat” (vice party) and claiming that it would turn Kuala Lumpur into the “largest vice centre in Asia”.

MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai later said the police did not allow the festival to go on due to security concerns.

He said it was brought up during the Cabinet’s weekly meeting on Wednesday, that authorities had cited safety as one of the reasons for calling off the festival.

Liow, who is also Transport Minister, said MCA believes that under the Federal Constitution, the people have every right to drink and eat whatever they want.

The party’s Religious Harmony Bureau chairman Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker said it did not agree with the cancellation of the festival but had to take note of the authorities’ views and concerns for public safety.

He said that if the festival was rejected on the grounds of political pressure or religious sensitivities, MCA would have objected.

“As a responsible party and Government, we cannot gamble with public security or put the public at risk.

“MCA is convinced that there are real security issues, and there are clear and present dangers indicating that the event will be targeted by militants.

“It is regrettable that the event was canned, leading to speculation that PAS’ criticisms led to the rejection,” Ti said.

He urged Malaysians to be rational and consider the explanations given by the authorities.

IGP Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun

We also received information that several parties planned to cause trouble during the event, so it might turn into a serious security matter.