KUCHING, Oct 11: Sarawak PAS has raised its objection to the staging of Miri Neon Beer Fest 2018, and is urging Muslims to stay clear of the event that is being held at Coco Cabana Beach from Oct 11-14.
In a statement posted on http://pas-miri.blogspot.com, its state commissioner-cum-Miri branch chief, Jofri Jaraiee, described the festival as not in line with the culture and customs of the locals, especially Muslims in Miri.
“Although the festival is for non-Muslims, we need to show protest so that such a programme will no longer be held in the future. Programmes like this can bring more harm than good,” he said.
Regardless of criticisms of being a busybody in prohibiting the public from attending the beer festival, Jofri believed there were many possible negative consequences from organising such a festival.
“For example, when they (attendees) are drunk, they will (get) dizzy and lose their memory and can cause fights between one another and can also cause an accident when they drive in a drunken state.
“So participating in the largest beer festival in Miri is to enjoy beers together (and) can eliminate fatigue and have fun?” he asked, sarcastically.
Alcohol, he pointed out, had been banned by major religions, including Islam, Christianity and Buddhism.
“In the Qur’an, Muslims can refer to Surah Al-Maidah verse 90. Christians can also refer to Proverbs 20:1 and Ephesians 5:18. If the religion has banned it, there must be a reason, so why do we have to follow the trend?
“Even Buddhist scholars like Master Hsing Yun is against it. In his book ‘The Five Precepts’, he said, ‘If one takes a little liquor, it is also prohibited’,” he said.
Jofri urged the authorities to make sure that the festival was not open to all, especially Muslims. — DayakDaily
