PKR, DAP support for Oktoberfest complicates spirit of cooperation, says PAS
The PAS Dewan Ulama has criticised coalition partners PKR and DAP for disrespecting the Islamist party's views on the recent Oktoberfest beer festival held in Selangor, reported Umno mouthpiece Utusan Malaysia.
Dewan Ulama acting deputy chief Datuk Dr Mahfodz Mohamed reportedly said that the two parties' failure to heed PAS's stand on the matter was further complicating the spirit of cooperation within Pakatan Rakyat.
He also questioned the parties' rejection of PAS's objection, adding that it was as though the Islamist party did not have any power in the administration of the state.
"This is what we are unhappy about, we have power in Selangor, where the menteri besar is also a Muslim, and Islam has to be respected as the official religion of Malaysia.
"Our objection should be considered by our coalition partners, given that Selangor is held by the opposition pact, and not by DAP and PKR, especially when it involves sensitive matters such as a beer festival," he was quoted as saying in the report.
PAS's Dewan Ulama had slammed Selangor Menteri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali, which it claimed did not give consideration to the party's objections.
"They have to respect the culture of the east and Islam, which does not condone beer-drinking being made into a festival and as a Pakatan component party, we voiced our disapproval.
"But it appears that the opinion of the clerics was not taken into consideration by the coalition partners, more so the menteri besar," he told the Malay daily.
Oktoberfest began on September 24 and was held in various locations in Selangor. It culminated with a grand event over the weekend.
PAS Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad had said previously that the beer festival could not be stopped because Malaysia was a multi-racial and multi religious country and the festival was being organised by non-Muslims.
Several DAP and PKR leaders had attended the event held at 1 Utama Shopping Centre on Friday, including DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang, DAP publicity secretary Tony Pua, Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo, PKR central committee member R. Sivarasa, Bukit Gasing assemblyman R. Rajiv and Damansara Utama assemblyman Yeo Bee Yin.
Given the attendance of Pakatan leaders at the Friday event, Mahfodz said that the Dewan Ulama would review the action of their coalition partners.
"We must ensure that the coalition partners cooperate with PAS, and not just between PKR and DAP only.
"Do not go ahead with unwanted events, we have a political understanding," he added. – October 14, 2014.
