The following is a media statement issued by DAP Secretary for International Affairs Kasthuri Patto on Monday 30th March 2026 in Ipoh, Perak, following a drunk driving incident that took away the life of a man. The statement has been published in its entirety.
Irresponsible drunk driving: Not a race or ethnic issue but an issue on prevention, collective responsibility, stricter penalties and vigorous implementation of the law.
I vehemently condemn the irresponsible act of the driver who consumed alcohol and drugs and drove in such a dangerous manner that resulted in a family scarred for life losing their loved one – an innocent man, a father and husband.
Social media was ablaze with condemnation on what he had done and scarily fringed on the race of the drunk driver and calling him derogatory names. Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal calls for the death penalty for drunk drivers who cause death – I strongly disagree with him as this will not put an end to the irresponsibility of those who drink excessively and drive. It is a failed theory and one that is very colonial in approach. As a lawmaker, he should back his calls by data, statistics and using international standards and best practices and not a knee-jerk reaction like this. Looking at success stories in Europe which is the largest consumer of beer might help instead of proposing the death penalty alone for drunk driving.
I agree with stiffer and harsher penalties but that cannot be done without greater and regular enforcement, education and awareness as well as infrastructure in place. Higher fines with longer sentences will work AFTER the crime is committed. The focus should also be equally important in the BEFORE the accident happens. Prevention is the key to reducing casualties and fatalities due to drunk driving. This man chose to hold his bottle of alcohol in one hand and his car keys in the other and must face the consequences of his actions, without prejudice, fear or favour.
In countries like Sweden, Belgium, Finland, France, Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Italy, Australia, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand, alcohol interlocks or alcolocks are used for repeat offenders requiring a clean breath sample before starting the vehicle. In Italy starting this year, a drink-driving offender found guilty by court must install an alcolock in his or her vehicle – costing up to 2000 Euros which is equivalent today to RM9238.20 for a period according to the court sentence. In majority countries, immediate, administrative license suspension is highly effective.
In France, nightclubs, bars, and restaurants that operate at night are legally required to make alcohol breath tests (éthylotests) available to customers. These tests must clearly indicate the legal blood alcohol limits to remind patrons that exceeding them makes driving illegal. France has also introduced the SAM designated driver campaign targeting drivers with the slogan “Celui qui conduit, c’est celui qui ne boit pas” which means “The one who drives is the one who doesn’t drink”. Drink companies (like Pernod Ricard an international brand for spirits and champagne) have teamed up with local authorities to promote this campaign in nightclubs and bars, identifying designated drivers with bracelets and offering them free non-alcoholic drinks.
The EU Road Safety Conference has supported practical steps to prevent someone from driving such as keeping car keys, offering a place to stay or calling for a friend to step in. The European Transport Safety Council over the period of 25 years from 1993 to 2018 has published 7 initiatives to tackle drink-driving in the EU. It includes lower blood alcohol concentration limits, sanctions, enforcement, alcohol interlocks, rehabilitation programmes, alcohol and work-related safety and education campaigns. In other European countries, bartenders and pub owners hold on to the car keys of drunk drivers in a safe and calling transport services for them to be sent home.
If one wants to exercise their right to drink alcohol, then one must also be tightly bound by a higher threshold of responsibility and accountability to NOT drive under the influence. You cannot have your cake and eat it risking your life and the lives of innocent people around you.
We must move beyond race and religion on the subject of alcohol abuse and drunk driving. An innocent life lost is mourned by all of us regardless of race or religion. We share the grief of all families who have lost loved ones due to this morose behaviour and we stand united in condemning those who choose to sit behind the wheel while being intoxicated.
Malaysia must have a 5-year or 10-year plan to tackle and fight drunk driving, financial input from the Government and stakeholders and for the community to work together to prevent alcohol abuse.
This is not a war on alcohol but one one on drunk drivers. Law alone is not enough, no matter how strict or tight. Frequent and regular unannounced checks by the police is needed to weed out drunk drivers. Body cameras must be mandatory for the police, traffic police and JPJ officers to build a compelling case against these perpetrators if found to have flouted their urine, breath and blood tests for alcohol. The public must support this too. I have witnessed myself “announcements” made in WhatsApp groups alerting others that there are roadblocks and breathalyser tests on the road. How is this supposed to help combat the menace of drunk driving? Friends must also encourage the other to take public transport when noticing if one of them is intoxicated. Companies that produce and sell spirits and beers have a significant role to play too in supporting Government efforts as how the Brewers of Europe and their positive role in combating the drunk-driving pandemic. The national plan must include all stakeholders so that a robust and realistic action plan can be developed.
This is a war against irresponsible drunk-drivers and not against any race or religion or the alcohol itself.
–WE