“I cannot see how Oktoberfest has led to public disorder,” he said, in response to a written reply in the Dewan Rakyat by religious affairs minister Idris Ahmad.

The minister had said that “alcohol parties” open to the public would affect the “social harmony, order and security of society”.

But Lim said there had been no Oktoberfest-related incidents in the past. “Idris should answer me based on facts, can he show us examples where the German culture festival has been a problem?”

Oktoberfest, organised by the Malaysian-German Society, has been held in Penang for four decades. It usually features a Bavarian band performance, German food and a variety of German and international beers.

Lim had also questioned Idris’ stance on the Japanese summer festival of Bon Odori, when he had previously advised Muslims against attending.

The celebration, organised by the Japanese community in Malaysia, was held in Shah Alam on July 16, and will be held in Penang tomorrow.