SHAH ALAM: Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali should take the cue from the waves of rejection from various parties in Kuala Lumpur which had objected to the now banned Better Beer Festival 2017.
Should there be an application from the organiser to move the event to the state, Azmin should not hesitate to say ‘no’ to it, said Selangor BN deputy liaison committee chief Datuk Mat Nadzari Ahmad Dahlan.
“Listen to the wishes of the majority who had rejected the festival. This was already demonstrated by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) which rejected its permit. Religious groups have aired their concerns and even MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai had acknowledged that it posed security threats.
“If something is perceived to be of little good, then he should reject it,” Nadzari told the New Straits Times today.
Echoing Nadzari was Sepang Umno division deputy chief Shahrum Mohd Sharif, who urged the PKR-led state government to act wisely if such an application is submitted to the local councils in Selangor.
“It is best that the state government, especially Azmin, tread carefully. It goes beyond just protecting and respecting the rights of other races and religions, but excessive drinking has proven to be hazardous to one's health and it may lead to drunk driving, too.
“I am worried that Muslim youths may be influenced and would want to join in the event. If DBKL has rejected it, I fail to see why Selangor should approve such an event," said Shahrum.
Nadzari and Shahrum were commenting on the Better Beer Festival 2017 controversy. The event, which was supposed to be held over two days at the Publika Shopping Gallery in Kuala Lumpur, was rejected by DBKL on Sept 18.
The Cabinet, said Liow, was told that the event was cancelled due to security concerns.
The festival's organiser, MyBeer Sdn Bhd, has asked DBKL to review its rejection.
Azmin had yesterday said he was unsure if the organiser had submitted an application to the local councils to hold the event in Selangor.