Discomfort over some non-Muslim practices does not allow Muslims to bar others from practising their culture, says PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.

Answering a question on the German beer festival Oktoberfest which is popular in Malaysia, Hadi said even alcohol consumption should be allowed for non-Muslims, even though this is forbidden for Muslims.

"Unless it is something that goes against human nature, like the practice of burning widows with the bodies of their husbands in India (before)…

"If it is usual practice, even if makes us uneasy, if it is allowed in their religion then let them practise that among themselves," he said at a question-and-answer session in Gombak last night.

Hadi was asked on the limit of Muslim tolerance for practices of the non-Muslims that go against Islamic teachings.

Nevertheless, he mused that no religion allows "immoral activities" or "berfoya-foya" (frivolous pleasure).

"I don’t think their religion allows it either, for no religion permits immoral activities. We have to ask their priests and monks," he said.

Further, Hadi said, some people, "like the communists", do not have religion.

He said that although non-Muslims must be allowed to practice their religion, culture and language, there must still be "controls", such as licencing and banning the sale of alcohol to Muslims.

This is to ensure that their practices do not step on "sensitivities of Muslims or followers of other religions that oppose such activities".

PAS leaders have vocally opposed the hosting of Oktoberfest in Selangor and Malacca, saying that it offends Muslim sensitivities.

DAP and PKR leaders attended an Oktoberfest session at the One Utama Shopping Mall car park last Friday to support the organisers, who faced pressure following protests from PAS and Umno leaders.

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