DAP rep: Beer fest ad in English, so not for Muslims
MalaysiaKini.com
Oct 7 2014

The Oktoberfest row has taken a bizarre twist with those festival now claiming that the language used for publicity material indicates it is not meant for Muslims.

Taking on PAS’ Temerloh MP Nasruddin Hasan, DAP’s Kampung Tunku assemblyperson Lau Weng San says the fact that the billboard is in English shows it is not meant for Muslims.

"What is Nasrudin’s problem? The advertisement is not even in Bahasa Malaysia. Clearly it is only for non-Muslims," Lau (below) asked on his Facebook page.

He asked this when posting a picture of a billboard promoting the beer festival, which has been slammed by Nasruddin.

Nasruddin yesterday said that although non-Muslims have a right to consume alcohol, they should not do so in a festival as Malaysia is a Muslim country.

Selangor PAS also condemned the Carlsberg Malaysia-organised festival, which kicked off on Sept 24, as "insensitive" due the majority of Malaysians who are Muslims.

However, PAS’ Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad said Muslims should not stop non-Muslims from attending or hosting the beer festival as Islam does not force its teachings on non-believers.

"But if the festival is attended by Muslims then the local government should monitor and control this," he said.

What if ritual slaughter is banned?

Meanwhile, PKR’s Teja assemblyperson Chang Lih Kang (below) condemned the call to stop non-Muslims from enjoying Oktoberfest as Malaysia is a majority-Muslim country.

"By this logic, then can other countries where the majority are vegetarian, for example, ban ritual slaughter of animals by Muslims (during Hari Raya Aidiladha)?" he asked.

Originating in 19th century Bavaria, Carlsberg Malaysia's Oktoberfest 2014 is held in several venues in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

The grand finale will be held at the One Utama shopping mall on Oct 10 to 12, and is expected to attract 12,000 beer enthusiasts.

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