THE ALCOHOL ISSUE IN MAS: A REFLECTION OF DAP’S TRUE IDEOLOGICAL IDENTITY
By: Khairul Faizi bin Ahmad Kamil
Introduction
The issue of alcoholic beverages being served on Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flights has once again drawn public attention after PAS Members of Parliament proposed that alcohol be replaced with cendol or other traditional drinks in Parliament. At first glance, it may seem like a trivial matter, merely a question of beverage choices on board. However, beneath the surface, this issue opens up a wider discussion on the values, direction, and ideological identity of the political parties in the current government, particularly DAP, which stands as one of the key pillars of the Madani administration led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
MAS as a Reflection of National Identity
Malaysia Airlines is not just a commercial carrier; it is the national flag carrier, representing Malaysia’s image to the world. Whatever is served on its flights symbolizes the values, culture, and principles of this nation.
Therefore, when PAS proposed that alcoholic beverages be replaced with drinks such as cendol, ais bandung, or ais batu campur, the proposal was neither narrow-minded nor populist. It was grounded in the aspiration to uphold the dignity of Malaysia as a nation aligned with Article 3 of the Federal Constitution, which declares Islam as the religion of the Federation.
This suggestion also stems from the values of decency and morality that form the foundation of the Rukun Negara. Every public policy and national symbol should reflect Islamic identity and local culture that respect the sensitivities of the Muslim-majority population.
DAP’s Reaction: The True Face of Secularism
However, the response from DAP leaders and supporters clearly revealed a fundamental difference in principles and worldview. DAP approached this issue through the lens of Western liberalism and secularism, where individual freedom must be prioritized, free from religious influence in public affairs.
DAP argued that since MAS operates internationally and serves passengers of various ethnicities and religions, alcoholic beverages should remain available as a matter of “choice,” equality, and alignment with global standards.
Herein lies the true nature of DAP, a party founded upon secular, liberal, and humanist values, not Islamic ones which form the moral core of Malaysia’s majority population. Even though DAP is now a main partner in government, its ideological foundation remains unchanged: it is uncomfortable with the influence of religion in public policy, even in symbolic matters such as the national airline’s policy.
Value Clash Within the Madani Government
The Madani government under Anwar Ibrahim now finds itself in a moral and political dilemma. On one hand, it seeks to project an Islamic image through the rhetoric of “Madani,” yet on the other, it is bound to DAP, a party that rejects Islam as a foundation of governance.
This clash of values has led the public to perceive the government as confused between Islam and secularism. On the alcohol issue, DAP upholds individual freedom, while PAS defends Islamic values and national dignity. Anwar and PKR, caught in the middle, can only attempt a compromise that ultimately satisfies neither side.
It is therefore unsurprising that many Malaysians now see the “Madani” concept as merely an Islamic façade masking a secular agenda, one largely driven by DAP’s ideological influence within the government.
The Symbolism of Alcohol and Cendol
This issue is not merely about beverages; it is about symbolic values.Alcohol represents Western, liberal, and secular influences, which elevate personal freedom as the highest ideal. Cendol, on the other hand, symbolizes local culture, modesty, and the Islamic–Malay identity that anchors Malaysia.
When DAP defends the serving of alcohol, it is, in effect, rejecting a symbol that represents the values and soul of the nation. Conversely, when PAS proposes cendol, it is not political satire but rather a moral and cultural voice of the true Malaysian spirit.
DAP and the Arrogance of Secularism
Across numerous issues from Jawi script education, the role of Islam in national education, moral regulations in Islamic states, and now the alcohol debate in MAS, DAP has consistently revealed its true colours: rejecting any form of Islamic influence in public affairs. DAP views Islam as a cultural element, not a foundation of governance.
This is where the real danger lies, when the political power of the Muslim majority submits to the secular agenda of a vocal minority. If something as small as a beverage policy cannot reflect Malaysia’s Islamic identity, how then can larger national policies in education, law, and economics uphold it?
Conclusion: The Future of National Identity
The issue of alcohol on MAS flights is a small but significant test of the Madani government’s sincerity in defending Islamic values. DAP has made its stance clear, it will not bow to Islamic principles but will continue to promote secular policies in the name of “freedom” and “equality.”
Hence, this issue should serve as a point of reflection for Muslims and Malaysians at large:
Do we wish for this nation to be led by secular and Western values, or shall we restore it to the true path of Islam and national culture?
Alcohol or cendol ; this choice is not merely about taste, but about the direction of our nation and the soul of the Malaysian people.
Khairul Faizi bin Ahmad Kamil
23 October 2025
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