Non-Muslims can enjoy drinking alcoholic beverages without holding large-scale beer festivals like Oktoberfest, said Dewan Ulama PAS.

In voicing their protest of such festivals being held in Malaysia, its chief Mahfodz Mohamed said that the rights of non-Muslims to consume alcohol was a separate matter from the organising of alcohol-related events.

"We still protest the polemics of alcoholic drinks-related festivals like Oktoberfest, whether it is organised under certain conditions or not.

"Organising of such events branded as festivals, even if it is done behind closed doors and does not involve Muslims, is disrespectful of Muslim sensitivities as Muslims are the majority in this country and Islam is the official religion.

"The issue of non-Muslims' rights to drink alcoholic beverages is clearly different from the organising of such event.

"Non-Muslims are not bound by the Islamic laws that prohibit the sales and consumption of alcohol, but it should not be a licence to allow any festival or programme to be held for its consumption," said Mahfodz in a statement published by Harakah Daily.

He added that they also objected to the festival because drunken revellers can cause trouble after the event and that it was not part of the general values and culture of Malaysia.

"Thus, Dewan Ulama PAS stands by our view that Oktoberfest should not be organised and must be strongly objected to.

"If non-Muslims want to drink alcoholic beverages, they are welcomed to do so in their homes without promoting the activity and organising large-scale events."