Stop Hiding Behind “Ethics and Morality” - Updated With Mariam Mokhtar's "The moral panic caused by St Michael's Alumni dinner"

FaceBook : PMX’s long-winded explanation in Parliament about why alcohol should not be allowed within school compounds supposedly hinges on the need to preserve “ethics and morality.” He wanted education not to be tainted. Why not just go straight to the point?  The moral panic caused by St Michael's Alumni dinner in full

If the real reason is that this is a Muslim country, and Muslims view alcohol as detrimental to moral and social wellbeing, then say so. Don’t dress it up in abstract moral terms.

PMX is an advocate of Islamisation, and his view on the matter is final; that’s the truth of it. So stop pussyfooting around with vague talk about values and ethics. Many Malaysians, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, would have no problem with St. Michael’s Old Boys enjoying a glass of wine and beer among old friends. That’s not a moral crisis on the scale of human civilisation.

Don’t claim to “respect the rights of non-Muslims” and in the next breath condemn them for exercising those rights in their own way. Today, you ban alcohol in school compounds; tomorrow, you’ll extend that moral policing to the entire country.

If the Prime Minister truly respects the rights and freedoms of those who are not like him, then he should not impose his sense of morality upon them. True respect is to trust others to live by their own values, not to force them to live by yours.

After all, many Malaysians could just as easily find the values and conduct of the political class; PMX included; equally immoral and unethical

I know some of our earlier and most cherished statesmen and leaders of this country enjoyed a drink or two; and they were miles more honourable in terms of honesty and integrity than the present ones. So stop talking nonsense.

- Dato Zaid Ibrahim

Hmmmmmmmm : I am not familiar with any of the schools where the rapes or murder or other serious crime occurred. But I am willing to bet that no serious crime has ever happened in schools where there is a strong alumni network.

Where old students continue to take an interest in their old school by taking part in their activities including reunion dinners. There is a strong rapport between the teachers and alumni.

The teachers know that somebody out there cares about the school and are supportive of the teachers. Teachers do not fear the students because they know that the alumni have got their backs. If drinking during reunion dinners can cause moral degradation to the students, the alumni will be the first to ban it.

So, stop imposing your moral standards on responsible adults. Also I am willing to bet that these drinkers have raised more successful, morally upright children than those who impose their moral values on others.