The DAP does not rule out legal action if the ban on drinking liquor in public is not revoked in the PAS-controlled state of Terengganu.

"If compelled, DAP will not hesitate to take it to court and have a court declaration on this matter," DAP deputy chairman Karpal Singh told malaysiakini today adding the move by Terengganu's PAS state government was unconstitutional.

In a press statement, Karpal said even if the state government were to issue guidelines on the sale of alcohol, it must take into account "the sensitivities of non-Muslims".

"To deprive even one citizen of his rights is a default of substantial and crucial significance on the part of the government of Terengganu," he said.

Terengganu announced last week that there would be a ban on drinking liquor in public. However, a Star report today quoted Terengganu Mentri Besar Abdul Hadi Awang as saying the ban was only applicable in areas with a minority non-Muslim population. He said non-Muslims could still consume alcohol in Chinese restaurants, coffee shops and at private functions such as weddings.

Karpal said the move to ban alcohol according to areas was inadvisable. "Banning sale of alcoholic beverages in districts according to the size of the non-Muslim populace is not a proper yardstick," he said.