THE Education Ministry (MOE) said that there will be no changes to existing guidelines for school fundraisers, which include a ban on the display and promotion of alcoholic beverages on school premises. However, the government has agreed to consider allowing vernacular schools to continue accepting donations through their administrative boards, as practised in the past.
“The cabinet stresses that the hosting of any activities involving any brand of alcoholic drinks cannot involve any Muslim students,” said the ministry.
The fundraising campaign became an issue after brewery Tiger Beer was linked to a charity event organised by SJK(C) Tche Min in Sungai Pelek, Selangor, last week. The event was officiated by Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Aiman Athirah Sabu, with Sungai Pelek assemblyman Lwi Kian Keong also in attendance.
Aiman defended her participation, calling her critics "hypocrites." Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh criticised Selangor PAS for stirring up the issue, accusing the party of distorting facts and inciting the emotions of the Malays.
Tiger Beer denied making any monetary contributions to schools, clarifying that its role was solely in presenting local performing artists for the event.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that Tiger Beer did not fund a Chinese school, contrary to recent allegations. Berita Harian reported that the brewery only sponsored a charity concert for the fundraiser, organised by the school’s parents-teachers association and board of directors.
"There was no contribution from the alcohol company to any school, contrary to the perception that has arisen," Zahid, who is also the Umno president, said.
The MOE announced on Monday that it is investigating the incident and reminded schools to adhere to 2018 guidelines, which prohibit accepting donations from activities related to gambling, tobacco, drugs, and alcohol. – 26 July 2024.
