The decision by a local authority in Selangor to restrict and/or ban the sale of liquor, medicated wines and beers in certain retail outlets, in particular, convenience stores and traditional Chinese medicine shops has generated much unease amongst the business sectors concerned and the community at large.

Notwithstanding the noble intentions of the proponents of the ban which is to curb social ills arising from alcohol abuse, I suggest that this issue should be handled in a rational and systematic manner.

Perhaps, in addition to public consultations, the state government should also engage with the various stakeholders separately, or jointly, in private consultations to gauge the true feelings on the ground.

The views of the various religious bodies and relevant professional institutions should also be sought. While open public dialogues are commendable, these sometimes have the tendency of degenerating into contentious debates that inflame emotions and entrench positions without resolving the root issues.

The rules applicable to the sale of liquor and alcoholic beverages in this country have been in use since independence in 1957, and indeed, decades before when Malaya (and then Malaysia) was under British rule. Hitherto, these regulations had never been a matter of concern.

If there is any change proposed, whether at local authority, state or national level, it is essential that such revision comes about only after careful study and research. Any proposed regulation must be in accordance with other existing federal and state laws or they will be challenged.

Local authorities must be mindful that In regulating local businesses, they have to act in accordance with the regulations in place, and not according to their personal views and prejudices.

Since the primary concern stems from the alleged consumption of liquor and beer by Muslim youth, empirical data must be obtained to bear out this contention. Public policy cannot be made on the hunches of a few persons.

Let us see the evidence. Perhaps the authorities should disclose the extent of alcohol abuse amongst Muslim youth so we may gauge the extent of the problem.

I would prefer that the energy and attention of all stakeholders and authorities, including the state government, be channeled towards tackling the pressing social ills and crime issues besetting Malaysian society and not to further regulate something which has not been proven to be a major source of the social problems.

Worse, tightening or banning the sale of alcoholic beverages will likely encourage a black market trade in such items, perhaps even boosting demand for illegal samsu (bootleg) and toddy.

This will cause a loss of revenue for the government, loss of jobs in the retail and manufacturing sectors concerned and would not help Malaysia's image as a competitive investment destination.

In India, for example, thousands are killed or injured each year through the consumption of illicit liquor.

I would suggest the Selangor state government undertake an authoritative study of the regulatory framework in other countries where there is a sizeable Muslim population to learn how this matter is handled.

These countries could include our neighbours such as Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines as well as other Muslim-majority countries such as found in the Middle East.

I am very perturbed that one of the criteria cited for advocating such restrictions and/or ban is the locality being a ‘Muslim majority area'. May I suggest that public policy decisions be based on what is right or wrong, good or bad, and not always on a simple majority vs. minority basis.

If this were to be the basis for public policy decision-making, the future is indeed bleak for multi-culturalism and diversity in Malaysia as simple demographic trends dictate that virtually all localities in Malaysia will become ‘Muslim-majority' in the years to come.

The strength of democracy lies in giving room to both majority and minority interests. That is the secret of a successful diverse nation.

Let us learn from the successes of the US, Singapore and Turkey in multi-culturalism and not follow other countries such as Sri Lanka and Yugoslavia where intolerance and lack of respect for minority views and interests have destroyed the very fabric of nationhood.

The writer is councillor, Petaling Jaya City Hall .