Bawang Assan assemblyman Wong Soon Koh urged Hulu Selangor MP Hasnizan Harun not to drag the national carrier into his religious politics, saying his call was both ignorant and short-sighted.

The seven-term assemblyman said the national carrier served travellers from across the globe of various religious backgrounds, and that banning alcohol would dent its passenger volume.

Wong added that this was a matter of economic survival as the airline was still recovering from the effects of the pandemic and had to compete with other major carriers like Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Qatar Airlines.

“All of them provide full service hospitality, including alcoholic beverages. If Malaysia Airlines were to impose such a ban, it would immediately lose ground, particularly among business and international travellers who expect world-class service.

“This could reduce Malaysia Airlines’ appeal, hurt its revenue, and further challenge its already weak financial position,” he said in a statement.

Wong said Hasnizan’s call was an embarrassment to himself as well as PAS, and that the Islamic party should move beyond such stands if it truly sought to govern the country.

He also accused the PAS MP of using religion to divide the people

“Non-Muslims respect Islam, but we reject religious manipulation, moral coercion, and interference in our way of life. Faith should be based on mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

“A leader who puts personal ambition above national interests has no place in Malaysia’s future,” the Progressive Democratic Party senior vice-president added.

Yesterday, Hasnizan said serving alcoholic beverages on Malaysia Airlines flights was against Islamic principles and put Muslim flight attendants in an uncomfortable position.

He claimed that even passengers were uncomfortable with this. He also said his proposal was not about restricting anyone’s rights but respecting the religious sensitivities of the majority.