PAS spiritual advisor Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat has proposed that an interfaith dialogue be held between the country’s religious leaders to come to a consensus on alcohol, gambling and zina (extramarital sex).

azlan “This is to inform the public that it is not only Islam which forbids all three matters,” said Nik Aziz in a statement today.

He said that the dialogue can be organised by any independent body.

Nik Aziz explained that he is making the call following news reports on the attempt to ban Muslims in Selangor from working in premises which serve alcohol.

The staunchly conservative religious leader said he supports the ban, explaining that such a form of employment was clearly forbidden in Islam.

Last year, the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) approved the enforcement of Section 18(2) of the Syariah Crimes Enactment 1995 which bars Muslims from working in businesses that serve alcohol.

Temporarily on hold

However, on Friday, the state exco ordered MPSJ to temporarily suspend enforcement of the ban while the state government decides how to cushion the effect of retrenchment.

Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibra NONE him said that “sufficient time” would be given to workers and employers before the ban comes into force.

However, some BN leaders including Minister in the Prime Minister Department Jamil Khir Baharom (right) , who is in charge of religious affairs, have used the situation to accuse the state government of acting against the interests of Islam.

Among others, Jamil accused state exco in charge of local government Ronnie Liu of having insulted Islam.

Liu had tried to reason that the ban was on hold due to the economic repercussions on the Muslim workers.