OCTOBER 28 — 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’s the kind of issue that can become contentious and divisive in a multiethnic, multireligious and multicultural setting where certain social values of one group of people become incompatible with those of others. 

For example, the Old Michaelians’ Association’s (OMA) 90th Annual Reunion Banquet 2025 that was held in Ipoh last 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, which was a private affair, was also held to raise funds that the school needed — as is the case of many Chinese vernacular schools. 

Such a situation begs the question among non-Muslims as to how the consumption of alcohol at this event could possibly corrupt students’ morals and when no schooling students were involved. The dinner was strictly a private affair and hence, would not smear the image of the country’s education system. 

Moreover, it’s the historical and cultural traditions of mission schools to hold such gatherings where non-Muslim adults could consume liquor, which isn’t a breach of any law in the land. 

In other words, the fear here, particularly among non-Muslims, is that the moral values of the majority may be unfairly imposed on the minorities in our diverse society that is 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 to oneself and the society at large. 

Having said that, 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 as well as 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 bear witness to 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 to the nation. Money meant to assist the needy and the marginalised was reduced. 

Certain corrupt politicians could 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, for instance, building more schools, government clinics and hospitals as well as low-cost housing for the lower-income bracket. 

Additionally, the nation as a whole has been brought to its knees under the heavy weight of mounting debts, partly owing to financial haemorrhage caused by corruption. 

And yet, a Malay-Muslim politician some time ago made a contention that a corrupt Muslim was better than an upright non-Muslim. 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 not be able to distinguish at times 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 rakyat. 

One may stay away from alcohol consumption. But to be drunk on power and wealth — especially if they’re gained in a questionable manner — could be too tempting for some to avoid. The common people must stay vigilant. 

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.