A familiar brew of political controversy had erupted in recent weeks, in which politicians passionately debated the issue of alcohol consumption in our country.
It was the kind of issue that could have become contentious and divisive in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multicultural setting where certain social values of one group of people are perceived as incompatible with those of others.
For example, the Old Michaelians’ Association’s 90th annual reunion banquet held in Ipoh in September sparked concerns among certain Malay-Muslim politicians because alcohol was reportedly served, so much so they dubbed the event as “pesta arak” (alcohol festival).
To be sure, the event was held on the school premises, outside school hours and without the participation of current students. This yearly alumni dinner, a private affair, also aimed to raise funds that the school needed – as is the case of many Chinese vernacular schools.
Such a situation begs the question among religious minorities as to how the consumption of alcohol at this event could possibly corrupt students’ morals when no current students were involved. The dinner was strictly a private affair and hence, would not smear the image of the country’s education system.
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Moreover, it’s the historical and cultural traditions of mission schools to hold such gatherings where adults among the religious minorities could consume liquor, which isn’t a breach of any law in the land.
In other words, the fear here, particularly among the religious minorities, is that the moral values of the majority may be unfairly imposed on the minorities in our diverse society, often touted as one that promotes inclusivity. Such cultural encroachment has triggered uneasiness, to say the least.
To be clear, I do not attempt here to trivialise the religious significance of the prohibition of alcohol consumption among the believers in Islam. From the Islamic perspective, drinking alcohol has adverse consequences for oneself and for society at large.
That said, though, I take this opportunity to call on the likes of the above Muslim politicians to look beyond the usual notion of intoxication arising from alcohol intake.
I’d argue that they should also be concerned about the extent to which some of our politicians, especially the Malay-Muslim ones, have been overly consumed by political power and material wealth for many decades.
Power and wealth, especially if they’re combined, constitute a concoction that is no less ‘intoxicating’ and perilous as it can corrode the moral fibre of our society and give rise to other adverse implications.
In the relentless pursuit of material wealth through political means, there has been a litany of corrupt practices among politicians and government officials over the years despite Islamic teachings proscribing corruption.
In recent years, we have witnessed large amounts of money from the public purse being brazenly siphoned off for the pleasure and ‘prosperity’ of corrupt political leaders.
Such looting obviously has dire consequences for the nation. Money meant to assist the needy and the marginalised has been reduced.
Certain corrupt politicians even feign deep concern for the poor after stealing public money meant to uplift them. The hypocrisy is mind-boggling.
Imagine, the stolen money could have been poured into building more schools, government clinics and hospitals, and low-cost housing for the lower-income bracket.
The nation as a whole has been brought to its knees under the heavy weight of mounting debts, partly owing to the financial haemorrhage caused by corruption.
And yet, a Malay-Muslim politician some time ago contended that a corrupt Muslim was better than an upright person from another faith. Surely, for the sake of the nation, it is crucial that we have scrupulous leaders of various backgrounds.
Political power can be spell-binding indeed, so much so that the politicians concerned may at times not be able to distinguish right from wrong.
In attempting to insulate themselves from public criticism, such politicians may resort to measures curbing the people’s democratic right to free speech and dissent that are dressed up as necessary steps to protect national security. It’s simply an abuse of power.
The quest to gain and consolidate power pushes certain unscrupulous politicians to drive a wedge between social groups in the heinous desire to depict themselves as champions of their respective communities. It’s the tired strategy of divide and rule, leaving a trail of fear, suspicion and even hatred among the people.
One may stay away from alcohol consumption. But to be drunk on power and wealth – especially if gained in a questionable manner – could be too tempting for some to avoid. The common people must stay vigilant. – Malay Mail
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