By Mohd Ustar Abdul Ghani
KOTA KINABALU: “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark” may all too easily be understood but “Something is perplexing in Malaysia” is not just simple ordinary axiom that we could forcibly understand by just events or narratives.
It transcends political, social or even race and religious understanding. We need to see issues from both sides of the fence and understand them.
In Malaysia where the issues of morality and protocol often hinges on the opportunity to collect political points, the eagle-eyed politicians from both sides of the fence will prey and exploit on such issues spread in front pages and social medias or even expostulated within the sacrosanctity of Parliament draped in a sacromonious arguments.
The recent alcohol debacle is not an issue about race or religion.
It is an issue which begs our understanding and tolerance. Whilst we argue on the positives and the negatives, we should not be precluded to understand cultures and traditions.
This is something that multiracialism is often faced with
Alcohol had invited various discussions and while it unsheathed strong repudiation for some, there are others who argue that alcohol consumption is something that simply relates to style, social presentation or even culture.
In the United Kingdom where there is impunity on alcoholism, there is a strong acceptance on the moral decadence of being intoxicated.
Chris Pincher, Mike Amesbury, Aaron Bell, Eric Joyce and Kulveer Ranger are UK MPs and government officials who found the exit after being embroiled in moments of madness whilst under intoxication.
These happened not during official duties but on a social night out fling.
We have often been reminded of the shibboleth, “Don’t drink and drive” or simply “Drink responsibly”.
These connotations are not created by one particular religion or race but they are there as a social acceptance that alcohol implicate adverse implications.
We are fortunate that the alcohol issue have not reached the doorstep of our Assembly House or manipulated by our Assemblymen.
Whilst those who lack understanding may spit criticism, we should uphold our own interpretation of multiracialism, allow it to enhance the spirit of understanding and avoid trivial discussions on something that we have long accepted as part and parcel of our multiracialism belief.
