‘Oktoberfest reasons untenable’
MCA leader: This shows that Johor govt does not respect rights of non-Muslims
JOHOR BARU: An MCA leader has described Johor mentri besar’s reason for opposing the holding of the Oktoberfest in the state as “simply untenable”.
Johor MCA Youth chief Ling Tian Soon said Datuk Osman Sapian’s remarks only highlighted his ignorance.
“The approval for Oktoberfest is not about advocating the culture of drinking.
“It shows that the state government does not respect non- Muslim rights with its increasingly extreme governing style,” he said.
Ling said it must be noted that Malaysia is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country.
“As long as activities do not violate the law, all ethnic groups have the right to choose their way of life with freedom of movement.
“Both Muslims and non-Muslims deserve to be respected,” he said in a statement.
On Sunday, Osman said the state government had shut its doors on Oktoberfest, saying that the festival that originated from Germany should not be held here.
Osman added that the festival was not part of the Malaysian culture, whether one is a Muslim or not.
Ling also challenged Johor’s four DAP state executive councillors to state their stand.
“Before this, former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng had hit out at the Barisan Nasional government for not approving Oktoberfest to be held in Kuala Lumpur, saying it was a violation of non-Muslims rights.
“Now that Pakatan Harapan helms the federal government, will they (DAP excos) defend the position taken by their party secretary-general?” he asked.
Last Friday, the PAS- led Terengganu government also banned the organising of Oktoberfest celebrations in the state.
But in Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad said organisers must apply for a permit with City Hall and adhere to the guidelines.
The annual Oktoberfest, which is held near Munich, Germany, is billed as the world’s largest folk festival, featuring beer drinking, music and food.