Peter John tells Anwar not to fall into the trap set up by Pas

KUCHING, Oct 26 2025: Sarawak rights activist Peter John Jaban has cautioned Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim against falling into the trap set up by the Islamist party Pas over the consumption of alcohol by non-Muslims.

Peter John Jaban: Malaysia is not an Islamic country. It is a secular state, although Islam is the official religion. 

He said the prime minister, instead, should stand firm against any attempt to impose Islamic values on multicultural Malaysia, especially in light of multiple recent ‘controversies’ drummed up by Pas.

He noted that Pas members of parliament have raised in quick succession the issue of alcohol consumption in the national airline, in private-sector tourism events and now, apparently, on school premises.

“Malaysia is not an Islamic country. It is a secular state, although Islam is the official religion,” he said in a statement.

Peter said the Federal Constitution guarantees freedom of religion to a large proportion of its population who are non-Muslims, notably many of the indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak.

“These constant attacks by Pas on the consumption of alcohol should be seen for what they are - an attempt to normalise Islamic practice within everyday life for all Malaysians, regardless of their religious background. As such, the party should be resisted,” he said.

He said a recent string of questions seems to be a coordinated campaign by Pas to demonise drinkers in Malaysia.

“Where will it end?” he asked, adding that he believed Pas will not be satisfied until there is no public consumption of alcohol allowed in Malaysia.

“In fact, as an Islamic party, I believe Pas would like to see a complete ban.

“Alcohol is enjoyed responsibly by many Malaysians for whom it is not against their religion. In fact, fermentation of alcohol is an important custom for the indigenous communities of Sabah and Sarawak, used to welcome visitors and in traditional rituals.

“It is now also a valuable product and a key part of our tourism offering,” he said, asking if the party succeeds in banning alcohol, what other freedoms will they go after next.

Peter urged the prime minister to stop pandering to this string of complaints by Pas representatives. He said Anwar needs to make clear that the nation’s educational rules and philosophy’ revolve around religious and racial tolerance, not around Islamic objections to alcohol.