‘No Oktoberfest in Johor’ Festival not part of Malaysian culture, says Osman

JOHOR BARU: The Johor government has shut its door on Oktoberfest, saying that the festival that originated from Germany should not be held here.

“The festival is not part of the Malaysian culture, no matter if you are a Muslim or not,” said Mentri Besar Datuk Osman Sapian yesterday.

Last Friday, the PAS-led Terengganu state government also made it clear that there would be no Oktoberfest celebrations in the state.

As for Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad had said that organisers must apply for a permit with City Hall and adhere to the guidelines which stated, among others, that the event must be held in a controlled area or non-public space, and not for Muslims.

Although no Oktoberfest would be allowed in Johor, Osman said the state government would not stop any non-Muslim from drinking alcohol.

“If the person who is a non-Muslim wants to drink in a pub, it can’t be stopped because the premises has the proper licence,” he said during the press conference.

The annual Oktoberfest, which is held near Munich, Germany, is billed as the world’s largest folk festival featuring beer drinking, music and food.

This year’s Oktoberfest in the Bavarian state ran from Sept 22 till Oct 7.

 

Source: The Star