TV2 Mandarin news anchor Rasyidah has weighed in on the recent public debate about alcohol at official functions, stressing the importance of respect, understanding, and tolerance in a multiracial society.
Her comments come after Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing and his ministry were criticised for allegedly serving alcoholic beverages during the Global Travel Meet gala dinner.
Following the incident, Prime Minister Seri Anwar Ibrahim issued a stern reminder to Tiong and his ministry to ensure such lapses never recur at government functions.
Never stopped non-Muslim friends from drinking
In a Facebook post, Rasyidah reflected on her own experiences, saying she does not drink alcohol but has never stopped her non-Muslim friends from doing so.
They always take the initiative to check if my food and drinks contain alcohol. Sometimes they’re more careful than I am, and if they notice anything wrong, they’ll immediately take it away from me. That thoughtfulness has always touched me.”
Rasyidah noted that while many people enjoy drinking, what troubles her is the culture of “persuading” or even “forcing” others to drink.
“A true toast should not come at the expense of making others uncomfortable. If someone chooses to join in, it’s a celebration. But if they decline due to driving, health, low tolerance or work, shouldn’t that be respected?
“Those who can hold their liquor deserve respect, but those who don’t force others deserve even greater respect,” she said.
‘Forcing others is a burden’
She warned that pressuring someone to drink could lead to serious consequences, such as drunk driving, health complications, or accidents.
“Friendship and responsibility can’t be brushed aside as a joke. One’s drinking capacity is never a measure of character, but respect is always a test of it,” she added.
Rasyidah ended her post by reminding Malaysians that drinking is a personal choice, but forcing others is a burden.
She also called for responsibility in ensuring safe journeys home after drinking, emphasising that respect transcends race and should exist between all individuals.
Read her post here:
