The Malaysian Muslim Consumers' Association (PPIM) stated it would not object to the Better Beer Festival if that were to be organised behind closed doors of 'watering holes', namely, pubs and taverns.
But such a restricted environment in terms of space for thousands of beer enthusiasts to enjoy 6.000 types of worldwide beer and also to socialise would be self defeating for such a Festival and the celebrative spirit in which it will be held.
If what is good for the goose being also good for the gander, then that would be akin to Muslims listening to the urgings of non-Muslims NOT to openly (in public and in schools) slaughter animals during Korban Day.
Now, such a non-Muslim requirement is virtually impossible for Muslims to agree to and would even be considered an 'insensitive' affront for interfering in Muslim affairs, much as the 'nons' might not like Korban Day ritualistic slaughters.
The Better Beer Festival with its multitude of beers is obviously haram to Muslims and thus will never involve them. It's not as if the Better Beer Festival will involve the setting up of hawker stalls in Shah Alam or a Malay kampung or in Kampung Baru.
I urge the Muslims (forget about PAS who should all return to Kelantan and Terengganu where Islam reigns supreme) to leave alone non-Muslim affairs to the non-Muslims and not to control what they, the non-Muslims, can, should or intend to do.
But such a restricted environment in terms of space for thousands of beer enthusiasts to enjoy 6.000 types of worldwide beer and also to socialise would be self defeating for such a Festival and the celebrative spirit in which it will be held.
If what is good for the goose being also good for the gander, then that would be akin to Muslims listening to the urgings of non-Muslims NOT to openly (in public and in schools) slaughter animals during Korban Day.
Now, such a non-Muslim requirement is virtually impossible for Muslims to agree to and would even be considered an 'insensitive' affront for interfering in Muslim affairs, much as the 'nons' might not like Korban Day ritualistic slaughters.
In Malaysian the word 'sensitive' is usually used when the offended party don't want to or lack the patience or ability to discuss the issue anymore and would in all likelihood resort to violence to end the matter, as in slapping the alleged offender (eg. Mat Over slapping David Teo) or in bashing car drivers honking the car horns in front of surau and mosque during Friday prayers.
While I wouldn't equate the serious and pious Korban Day rituals with the entertaining and joyous Better Beer Festival, I would draw attention to them being of and from different religio-cultural values. In other words, a non-Muslim should never interfere in Islamic affairs when it doesn't involve nor affect him, her or family, whilst a Muslim should also observe likewise.
While I wouldn't equate the serious and pious Korban Day rituals with the entertaining and joyous Better Beer Festival, I would draw attention to them being of and from different religio-cultural values. In other words, a non-Muslim should never interfere in Islamic affairs when it doesn't involve nor affect him, her or family, whilst a Muslim should also observe likewise.
The Better Beer Festival with its multitude of beers is obviously haram to Muslims and thus will never involve them. It's not as if the Better Beer Festival will involve the setting up of hawker stalls in Shah Alam or a Malay kampung or in Kampung Baru.
I urge the Muslims (forget about PAS who should all return to Kelantan and Terengganu where Islam reigns supreme) to leave alone non-Muslim affairs to the non-Muslims and not to control what they, the non-Muslims, can, should or intend to do.