Political commentator Prof James Chin didn’t hold back in backing DAP lawmaker Lim Lip Eng’s playful jab at PAS over its repeated calls to ban alcohol on Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flights.
“MOON people will never understand, and the Kepong MP is correct. If Moon wants a halal airline, they should start one themselves,” Chin wrote on Facebook yesterday (Oct 22), sharing an article highlighting the collapse of Rayani Air, Malaysia’s first Sharia-compliant carrier, which failed in part due to its strict no-alcohol policy.
Lim Lip Eng had earlier criticized PAS for pushing what he called an “undemocratic” proposal, pointing out that the choice to consume alcohol is a personal right for non-Muslims. “Even airlines from Muslim-majority countries like Emirates, Etihad, and Gulf Air serve alcohol,” he noted during the Budget 2026 debate on social media.
“To PAS, if you dislike it that much, start your own airline—call it PAS Airlines. Let’s see how long it lasts before going bankrupt,” the lawmaker quipped.
PAS lawmakers Mohd Misbahul Munir Masduki (Parit) and Muhammad Ismi Mat Taib (Parit Buntar) had previously suggested replacing MAS’ wine selection with local drinks and desserts such as cendol, sirap bandung, and ais batu campur (ABC).
Chin’s comment, paired with Lim’s humour, sparked waves of amusement online, with netizens poking fun at the idea of a fully halal airline in Malaysia.
