Takiyuddin is dead against Oktoberfest

Takiyuddin is dead against Oktoberfest

PAS sec-gen clarifies that his party will never support booze fests of any kind.

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan.
GEORGE TOWN:
PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said the party would never support beer festivals, vowing to go against them if they “cause public unrest” and affect the sensitivities of Muslims.

In a statement today, he said his earlier comments on Oktoberfest on the sidelines of the Dewan Rakyat sitting recently had been taken out of context and were not published in full in the media.

He did not say specifically which part of his comments were taken out of context or which media outlet had published his remarks.

Takiyuddin said the PAS-led Kelantan government had never banned the consumption or sale of alcohol, for and by non-Muslims.

He said local governments in the east coast state had imposed conditions for permits and licences to prevent the sale of alcoholic drinks to Muslims and disallow Muslims from selling them.

Takiydudin said alcohol-themed events must not be organised in a way that might cause uneasiness, create a nuisance or affect the sensitivities of Muslims.

“PAS and I have never supported Oktoberfest. We have even said that if it causes a problem, such as a public disturbance, then PAS will go all out against it,” he said.

Previously, Takiyuddin said PAS might even demonstrate against Oktoberfest if it causes “uneasiness” among the people “if necessary”.

Recently, PAS-led Terengganu and Pakatan Harapan-led Johor vowed to ban Oktoberfest events, without giving any reason.

Kuala Lumpur had recently allowed Oktoberfest to be held, provided the organisers followed the rules and regulations provided by City Hall.

PAS had been objecting against the Oktoberfest, claiming it is unIslamic and immoral.

Last year, the authorities cancelled the Better Beer Festival 2017, to be held in conjunction with Oktoberfest in the Klang Valley, citing security reasons.

The Oktoberfest is an important part of Bavarian culture, having been held since 1810.

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