A sensible and moderate approach to such issues is clearly needed, Badlishah Sham Baharin writes.
We refer to the matter of the Jaya Grocer outlet in Eco Grandeur, Puncak Alam said to be selling alcohol in its non-halal section.
It was reported by The Rakyat Post dated 4 December that a memorandum had been sent to the management of the outlet to protest the sale of alcohol in the store.
The sending of the memorandum follows protests said to have been initiated by the residents associations in the area and consented to by the Selangor Assembly member for Jeram, Mohd Shaid Rosli (Pejuang).
Among the reasons for the protest in the memorandum were the need to respect “the sensitivities of the 90% Muslim population of Puncak Alam” and complaints of “social crimes and fractured family relationships from drinking alcohol”.
- Sign up for Aliran's free daily email updates or weekly newsletters or both
- Make a one-off donation to Persatuan Aliran Kesedaran Negara, CIMB a/c 8004240948
- Make a pledge or schedule an auto donation to Aliran every month or every quarter
- Become an Aliran member
While not denying the severity of alcoholism in its tendencies to contribute towards crime and affect other social relationships, Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia (GBM) would like to draw attention to the fact that Malaysia is a country with a multicultural make-up, comprising various ethnic groups of different religious persuasions.
Added to this are the diverse cultures and practices that each ethnic and religious group brings to their respective ways of life. Such diverse cultural bearings and practices extend to simple matters such as food and drinks as well.
Hence, to issue a protest against a retail outlet which seeks to cater to a broad section of the community in the service of food and drinks is uncalled for. It must be borne in mind that in any community of residence in Malaysia, there is always a broad section of people with different lifestyles and tastes in food and drink.
These groups of people may constitute the majority or minority in a given location. But their needs and what they feel as the norm in lifestyles and practices, while not fully understood or appreciated by everyone, must likewise be accorded full respect and acceptance. This is what is meant by peaceful coexistence in a multicultural setting with a diverse population as we seek to interact and come together as fellow Malaysians.
In the case of the majority Muslim residents of Puncak Alam, if there are concerns as to the sensitivity or even the impact of alcoholism on the wellbeing and safety of the community, a better and more appropriate response would have been for the assembly member for Jeram, Mohd Shaid, to initiate a dialogue between the management of Jaya Grocer and the residents associations rather than insisting they do not sell the goods and that the entrance of the non-halal section be boarded up.
Such an approach of peaceful dialogue towards an amicable solution represents not only a win-win situation for everyone but also a moderation with respect to the concerns and sensitivity of the majority of residents while allowing space for minority residents to still enjoy their lifestyle and practices.
It is an approach that enjoins all to humility and one which does not display a holier-than-thou attitude of superiority over others. It is built upon the respect for human dignity that accords to every human being equality to dwell on this Earth to live a quiet and pleasurable life in honour to Allah.
Furthermore, Allah has enjoined upon Muslims to be a “middle nation” or a “justly balanced and moderate nation” in the Qur’an. It is a path that brings together a harmonious balance between religion and the world and between individual and community.
We would call on the respected assembly member for Jeram, Mohd Shaid, to quickly initiate this dialogue between the management of Jaya Grocer and the residents’ associations so as to quell any unhappiness that may arise and avoid racial and religious discrimination that would polarise our already fragile society further.
A sensible and moderate approach to such issues is clearly needed as it will benefit no one should conflicts in any form and nature arise. Malaysians are already facing much undue hardship in many respects and in unimaginable ways during this unprecedented phenomenon of the Covid-19 pandemic. We certainly do not need any added discomfort coming along in this manner.
Badlishah Sham Baharin is chairperson of Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia (GBM). This statement was issued on behalf of the GBM executive council.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
The Jeram ADUN has no authority to tell Jaya Grocer what to do. Perhaps it is more Jaya Grocer’s fear that if it does not comply with the request of the petitioners, the majority of residents of Puncak Alam who are their customers may boycott them. Also, perhaps that non-halal section was not selling much, so they used the petition as a reason to shut it down.
Also, perhaps GBM should offer itself as the mediator between the residents and Jaya Grocer and see what happens.
I wonder whether other supermarkets in Puncak Alam such as Tesco, Pak Grocer and Econsave have closed their non-halal sections as well.
To respect one worthy of respect is my creed.
Mohd Shaid is no such person.
GBM’s suggestion is praiseworthy.
But will Mohd Shaid initiate such a dialogue ?
I note GBM only suggested a dialogue with no solutions put forward.
Jaya Grocer is a private company, it may very well decide to discontinue its non-halal section. But to a consumer like me it will be that it is spineless & has bowed to pressure.