Selangor Umno information chief Zein Isma has raised state Menteri Besar Azmin Ali's Islamic faith over the German F&B Festival approved by the Klang Municipal Council (MPK)

"I am not questioning MPK (for doing its job) because if there is an application they will issue the regulations and we all know that local councils come under the state government.

"What we question is Azmin, as a Muslim menteri besar, should look at the residents' sensitivities, the majority of whom are Muslims.

"Do not use politics to legitimise everything. He needs to be firm that it (the event) cannot (go ahead) like (the decision) Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and the deputy prime minister's statement (against the Better Beer Festival 2017)," he was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.

Yesterday, it was reported that MPK had given the green light for the "German F&B Festival" on condition it did not use the word "Oktoberfest" and Muslims are not allowed to attend.

A similar festival - the Better Beer Festival 2017, was rejected by DBKL.

Zein said it was inadequate for Azmin to leave the decision for local councils to decide.

"As a Muslim, as menteri besar, his statement on leaving it up to the local councils meant that he was directly and indirectly involved (in the event), he was quoted as saying.

Zein said Umno will object to any such event in Selangor.

"Beer festivals cannot be held in Selangor not only due to security reasons but also to take care of the sensitivities of the majority population in the state," he said.

Yesterday, PAS Ulama treasurer Khairuddin Aman Razali also submitted a memorandum to the Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (MBPJ) urging that it reject the application of liquor-related event.

Petaling Jaya mayor Mohd Azizi Mohd Zain said the event was the Oktoberfest 2017, which had gone on for the last five years.

He added that the local council had yet to decide on the application this year as it had yet complied with the procedures.

Amidst the objections in Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak Tourism, Arts, Culture and Youth and Sports Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said he welcomed the Oktoberfest in Sarawak.

"It's a festival of cultures during which time there will be plenty of food being served, and you know the Germans, it comes with beer.

"I don't agree with what some extremists say - that Oktoberfest is a beer festival, It is not," he was quoted as saying by the Malay Mail Online.

He added that the event was good for the tourism industry.