Commentary by Mustafa K. Anuar

MUHAMMAD Fawwaz Mohamad Jan recently stepped into Sunway Carnival Mall in Penang to do what he thought was his job as a lawmaker.

As the newly minted Permatang Pauh MP might have expected, his action caught public attention. But more than that: he triggered anxiety, fear and anger, particularly among the Chinese people who make up 19.4% of his constituents.

The head pf Penang PAS youth wing was at the mall recently to express a “strong objection” to what was considered to be a large-scale promotion and sale of alcoholic beverages in the complex’s main lobby area.

Fawwaz said he had received complaints from the public about the promotion, adding that “Muslim sensitivities” needed to be safeguarded.

His controversial action earned the ire of Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi, who insisted that moral policing is not a lawmaker’s job.

Fawwaz, who beat PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar for the Permatang Pauh seat in the general election, should not behave in a manner reminiscent of a Muslim vigilante group in Kedah called the Badar Squad.

A lawmaker is expected to deal with federal laws and policy-making in parliament, including approving the government’s expenditures and tax regulation. This role cannot be lost on the first-time MP.

We would assume that he would look into issues faced by his voters, such as education, the local economy and infrastructure.

We should also be mindful that it is not his job to deny or denigrate the right of non-Muslims to consume things that are considered haram by Muslims. It is obviously not nice to shove your values into the throats of others. 

It should be impressed upon the lawmaker that a diverse society requires efforts that foster understanding and respect between various communities. The last thing he should do is sow hostility or disrespect.

We can only hope that the inter-ethnic goodwill that has existed all these years in the constituency will not have been eroded as a result of his insensitive move.

It is conceivable that the mall did not flout any council rules when it decided to promote alcohol in anticipation of the Chinese New Year. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to appreciate such a business strategy.

This is why some Malaysians feel that the mall management should not have entertained Fawwaz’s objections.

It is noteworthy that the moral policing occurred on the heels of the PAS Kedah government’s ban on gambling in its endeavour to display its commitment to Islamic teachings. It is possible Fawwaz was influenced by his party’s actions in the state.

Another downside to the affair is that it might raise the question of whether the faith of Muslims is so fragile that it is unable to withstand the mere sight of whiskey or beer bottles. Surely this is not complimentary to a community that is supposed to have strong resolve. 

What the novice lawmaker should be deeply concerned about are politicians who are easily intoxicated by power and status, which has serious social and political implications. – January 11, 2023.