“Smoking is not bad”

I thought the recent comment by Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat on preferring to field nonsmoking candidates for the next general election was pretty harmless. At most, it was a PAS internal political maneuvering. However, it could not stop Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz from replying with a rather irresponsible message that smoking wasn’t bad.

One does not have to go far to learn that smoking is harmful not just to the smokers but to the bystanders. One recent report confirms this beyond any doubt. Having smoking and nonsmoking sections in restaurants and coffee houses does not work. It is especially worse for the waiters in these places.

Many states in the US have already banned smoking in eating and other public places. Furthermore, most member countries of the EU have done or plan to do the same. Simply put, Malaysia should also follow suit.