The suggestion for a special zone to serve alcohol to support the tourism industry in Brunei came under intense criticism and disapproval from the Cabinet Ministers at the Legislative Council meeting.
YB Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama Dr Ustaz Haji Md Zain bin Haji Serudin, Minister of Religious Affairs, yesterday said, " because the tourists know, when they want to consume alcohol, they can do it more freely in their own countries. Not only can they drink it, they can even take a bath in it too".
"Today they want this zone, later they may want clubs, then what else? Prostitution zone? Then casino zone," the minister asked.
"All these elements will bring bad name to the country," he added.
There was also a call to review the policy on bringing in alcoholic drinks to Brunei, proposed by a representative the previous day, as a measure to curb empty beer cans discarded at beaches, roadsides and recreational areas.
The proposal to create an "alcohol zone" during this year's LegCo session surprised many public members.
The Minister of Religious Affairs offered a justification for his disapproval and displeasure on the suggestions.
Economically speaking, according to YB Pehin, such an allocation or allowance will jeopardise the country's prestige in the global Halal market and be counterproductive to the Halal branding of the country. Religiously speaking, it is a transgression against the religion and a sin not only to those who serve but also everyone in the country for allowing it to happen.
While disapproving the proposal, YB Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama Dr Ustaz Haji Md Zain acknowledged the contribution of tourism industry towards the economic development that is clearly seen from the economic data of neighbouring countries.
However, he downplayed the need to establish such a special zone stating that the nation's tourism industry does not rely on alcoholic drinks.
"The tourism policy in this country had been clearly explained by the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, that is to limit the importation of alcoholic beverages into the country is in line with the principal of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB)," YB Pehin said.
"The policy is also in line with the aspiration of the nation to become 'Zikir', the minister said.
"What we are most afraid of is the wrath of Allah," the minister added. "The wrath of Allah will not only come for the doer but others as well," he stated.
"This is why we need to fight to maintain Brunei as a peaceful country called The Abode of Peace," he concluded.
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