KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 26 - Coalition partners DAP and PAS appeared locked in open dispute over the sale of alcohol in Selangor - a row which is exposing the tussle between secular and conservative forces in the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) alliance.
DAP publicity chief Tony Pua today attacked Pas Selangor, stating that "it needs a crash course in coalition politics," after its PR partner reportedly said it would ban all alcohol sales in the state.
He also called Pas Selangor arrogant.
"Despite not having obtained approval for such a proposal in the Selangor state executive committee, Pas Selangor has attempted to subvert the exco's authority by introducing such regulations by instructing its municipal councillors to table such motions for approval at the local councils," he said in a media statement.
Pua also reminded Pas that they were partners of a coalition in which "they possess eight out of 36 seats won" by all the members.
Speaking in Parliament today, Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said: ""We do not want to be seen to be encouraging alcohol consumption among the youth and Muslims. But we cannot deny the rights of non-Muslims.
"As we are democratic, we listen to views because we are a consensus government, but policies are decided by the state exco and there is no suggestion to ban the sale in open premises.
Senior state exco member Teresa Kok from the DAP said the matter had been brought up for discussion by Pas Selangor to address the issue of "easy access to alcohol by teenagers and Muslims."
She said this had occurred weeks ago and discussions with outlets like supermarts and 7-Eleven were being planned.
Pas deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa told reporters in Parliament that he was not clear on the issue as the matter had not been communicated to the central leadership by Pas Selangor.
"Our stand on this issue, as in others which affect the morals and safety of people, is that there should be controls," he said, adding that it generally tries to push for this in all states where the party is part of the administration.
"In Kelantan, there are no new premises which are allowed to sell alcohol openly but we do not prohibit non-Muslims from consuming alcohol," the Bachok MP added.
"But there are no more new premises which can sell alcohol openly," he said, adding that the central leadership would await more details from Pas Selangor before deciding whether to bring this up in other states.
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"...ban ALL alcohol sales...." is this right? I find it hard to believe. Surely Abang Pua, maybe you should check your facts again.
Maybe Abang Pua should also look at the damage due to alcohol .... health, liver burn out, drink driving, addiction, lost productivity, family break down.
Look at this way most of our alcohol are imported, consume less, import less, save some money and save the country some money, Less tax going to the Federal Government - less money for BN to waste, less corruption on these import licenses.
Tony abang, look at the bring side instead of some who wants to drink their nut off.