GEORGE TOWN: The action of PAS MP Muhammad Fawwaz Muhammad Jan, who demanded that a beer promotion event at a mall here be covered up, has raised many eyebrows.
The Permatang Pauh MP had reportedly marched into the mall on Monday (Jan 9) and demanded that beer sales not be done openly.
Together with a few PAS members, Muhammad Fawwaz met the mall management and said that there had been complaints from Muslims.
The beer promotion is held in conjunction with the Chinese New Year, with similar sales being held in other cities nationwide.
DAP's Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi said Fawwaz had overstepped his position by assuming the role of “moral police”.
Gooi said it was not the role of an MP or elected representative to take action on activities they believe is inappropriate.
"It is clear the promotion is in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration.
"It is aimed at non-Muslims and carried out in accordance with the law," Gooi said in a statement on Tuesday (Jan 10), adding that Muhammad Fawwaz had deviated from his duties as an MP.
Penang Warisan chairman Jeff Ooi said premises permitted to sell liquor are regulated by the Customs Department and the local council.
"It is not the role of an MP to lecture or interfere in such matters, no matter how good their intentions may be," said Ooi.
When contacted, Muhammad Fawwaz said there had been several complaints from communities in Seberang Jaya about the open sale of beer at the mall.
"We are not restricting the sale of beer as it is the right of non-Muslims to consume them.
"We requested the management not to sell it openly and we offered solutions," said Fawwaz, who thanked the management for the harmonious engagement and willingness to accept his visit.
"The promotion will still go on at the same location," he said.
