Kuala Lampur, Oct. 28 -- A familiar brew of political controversy had erupted in recent weeks, in which politicians passionately debated the issue of alcohol consumption in our country.

It's the kind of issue that can become contentious and divisive in a multiethnic, multireligious and multicultural setting where certain social values of one group of people become incompatible with those of others.

For example, the Old Michaelians' Association's (OMA) 90th Annual Reunion Banquet 2025 that was held in Ipoh last September sparked concerns among certain Malay-Muslim politicians because alcohol was reportedly served, so much so they dubbed the event as "pesta arak" (alcohol festival).

To be sure, the event was held on the school premises, ...