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Permatang Pauh MP gets mixed reactions over alcohol sale objection

GEORGE TOWN: Permatang Pauh member of parliament Ustaz Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan and officers from his service centre met the management of Sunway Carnival Mall in Seberang Jaya yesterday to voice their uneasiness with how openly alcohol is being sold at the mall.

On his Facebook page, Fawwaz said the meeting came following complaints he received from the Muslim community.

"During the meeting, we objected to the sale and promotion of alcohol openly, such as at the main foyer of the mall.

"The organiser received our objection well and said they would take the necessary action within a week.

"To protect the sensitivities of Muslims and the community, it is hoped that this kind of thing will not happen again. Alcohol can intoxicate people and affect their judgment."

The post, which included five photos with the mall's management, has been shared more than 600 times, received more than 5,300 reactions and has more than 500 comments at press time.

A 52-second Tik Tok video of Fawwaz and his team walking into the mall has gone viral and has courted mixed reactions.

While many of his supporters congratulated him for speaking up on the matter, others questioned why he was being a "moral police".

Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi said it was not the role of a member of parliament or an elected representative to be the moral police and take action against activities they deem inappropriate.

He said it was clear the alcohol was being promoted for Chinese New Year.

"It is clear the promotion is aimed at non-Muslims and is organised in compliance with the law.

"Him (Fawwaz's) playing the moral police not only deviates from his role as an elected representative, he is also undermining Penang's pluralistic society.

"If the MP takes action as an enforcer against this promotional activity, will he also act as an enforcer against other cultural and religious activities that have long been practiced by the multiracial community of Penang?"

Gooi expressed solidarity with the mall and said it should not bow down to narrow-minded politicians who play the moral police.

"Such promotional activities have been organised in Penang for a long time without affecting the feelings or sensitivities of any party.

"I thank the MP for promoting this alcohol promotion. Thank you, YB Muhammad Fawwaz, for the video you uploaded for informing everyone that there is an alcohol promotion at the mall."

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