By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 19: The withdrawal of a locally produced alcoholic beverage branded “Santubong beer” following public backlash is a setback to Sarawak’s long-standing values of tolerance and harmony, says Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen.
In a statement today, Chong criticised Santubong MP Dato Sri Nancy Shukri for spearheading objections to the use of the word “Santubong” as a product name, calling her stance “deeply disappointing.”
He noted that while such reactions were often associated with politicians in Peninsular Malaysia, it was alarming to see a similar trend emerging in Sarawak.
“Her so-called ‘victory’ over the Santubong beer issue is in fact a setback and a loss of a small yet precious part of Sarawak’s values of tolerance and harmony,” he said.
Chong questioned whether it was truly the Santubong Muslim community that felt offended, or merely a handful of politicians claiming to speak on their behalf.
“The worrying trend here is not about one product name. It is about Sarawak slowly sliding into the hypersensitive, overzealous political culture which we Sarawakians have always prided ourselves on being different from,” he added.
He argued that naming the beer “Santubong” could instead be seen as a way of paying homage to the place and promoting Sarawak’s identity to a wider audience, similar to how products such as Borneo Fresh Pork or local tuak wine are marketed.
“By Nancy’s logic, if Muslims form a majority in Sarawak, then even ‘Sarawak tuak’ would suddenly be offensive.
“Would Genting Casino also need to change its name because ‘casino’ is haram and Genting is a place with many Muslims?” he questioned.
Chong further warned that bowing to such sensitivities risked eroding Sarawak’s unique identity.
“Today, it’s a beer brand. What will it be tomorrow? How much more of Sarawak’s unique identity are we willing to give up just to pander to race, religion and political theatrics?” he stressed. — DayakDaily
