Regardless of the manner in which the “rule/guideline/bylaw” (I think many people are still unsure on what to call it) has been proposed by PAS representatives, I fully support the restriction the sale of alcohol. Convenience stores and shops in petrol station should not be selling alcohol. So do mini-markets or grocery shops.

It was initially proposed by Pas councillor in Klang, Mohd Termizi, but has been retracted. The proposal was as follows:

Mohd Termizi had suggested that alcohol be sold discreetly; signboards prohibiting Muslims from purchasing alcohol be prominently displayed; only non-Muslims be allowed to manage shops selling alcohol; a special counter be allocated for non-halal products; and a ban on the sale of alcohol at 24-hour convenience stores, sundry shops, mini markets, pharmacies, restaurants and petrol station kiosks.

I think that to complement the sales control, state government should also start a massive campaign blitz at all areas – colleges, universities, factories, temples, mosques, churches, shopping centres, bus stations, etc.

Alcohol-related crime and damages are on increase in UK. I read a report saying the those damages run into billions! We also seem to read in papers nowadays on crimes committed by people high on alcohol. The Selangor state government (PAS included) should provide facts and figures – do some research on countries. Don’t talk in terms of religion, but in terms of economic costs, health, crime rates. The old strategy of simply banning this and that won’t work.

The DAP, PKR, and PAS people must continue this debate. Discuss what to do next. Argue maturely. I definitely don’t want to hear the old mantra of “behind closed doors” that doesn’t seem to respect the people’s intelligence. While at the moment the MB of Selangor and Pakatan Rakyat leader both said that there are  some strategies to enforce current rules, I think its time a committee is set up to study the menace of alcohol.

For me, I support the restricted sale because I understand the damage of alcohol, and at the same time respect the idea that people may WANT to damage their health by consuming alcohol.  But in that process of killing themselves slowly, they should not endanger others. Thus one way to curb this is to limit the locations of sales. This will allow for better enforcement of the rules – no to those under 18, and no to Muslims.

Another angle is to involve NGOs and religious bodies to join the campaign to support under “religious” banner.  Secondly, focus should be on the suburban areas, rural areas, foreign workers hostels, sales of samsu etc.

You know something? My friend’s car was hit by another car from behind near Avon (Federal Highway) last Wednesday. The speeding car was occupied  by 3 very drunk Malay girls. My friends car was damaged, but luckily no one was injured. The parent of one of the girls called him next day to apologise and “kaotim” the problem. No police report in order to avoid unnecessary questions.

Alcohol is no more a non-Muslim problem. Its affecting all, even the foreign workers.