Week 1: Local News

Muslims to be banned from working in outlets that serve liquor?

From a personal observation, the news that dominated the local news would be the issue of Muslims working in outlets selling liquor. The Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) had declared that they will be enforcing the condition on outlets that possess liquor licenses. They stated that they are to ban Muslims from working at entertainment outlets that serve liquor. As stated in the newspapers, the council is facing a lot of pressure to rescind the controversial ruling. Ronnie Liu, the state local government chairman however, had proposed to oppose this new condition. He had advised the MPSJ president to withdraw the condition thinking that this move would affect the many Muslims who are working in the entertainment outlets. This decision would lead to a unemployment for a lot of people and also, the shutting down of those outlets.

This discussion had continued for nearly a week and many people stood up to give their opinions. One of the expositions stated by Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen; “It is an important issue as it touches on human rights and a person’s livelihood." On the 18th January 2011, Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim stated to the media that the move is only a guideline; not a ruling, and that there was no by-law in the state that prevented Muslims from working in outlets serving alcohol. Apparently the ban announced by MPSJ was to act as a reminder to Muslims on the inappropriateness of working in entertainment outlets that handle alcohol. Two days later, the Selangor Govern­ment stated that they were to offer RM10mil to assist Muslims that quit their jobs and consider non-halal jobs so they can choose an alternative career path.

My personal opinion would be that the foundation on which this movement was started is a moral and rational one. I think it is a good move; in the balance of the pros and cons of this condition, I find it beneficial for our Malaysian society and culture whereby the values and morals we hold on to are always practiced, even in the work place. Also, I think that the move from the Selangor Government is a good start, trying to help the problem with the RM10mil in funding so that Muslims will choose for a better career path. From a non-muslim point of view, I think that this matter should be taken seriously.Yes, there isn't a law forbidding Muslims not to do so, but i suggest that if this matter is taken seriously, to construct a law; a Syariah Law in this case to cement the condition and so that the law has to be obeyed by the people. My suggestion being with good intentions and not from a racist point of view, but the fact that we are an Islam country and with all the world trying to poke around in other peoples governments, this would set a good example to fellow Islam countries and also, the world. I don't expect this to have an immediate effect, but employers should take the first step by reducing the employment of muslims in such places to avoid further controversy. 

That's my point of view, What's yours?

Till next time,

..JP.