UMNO youth has now trained its guns on the issue of alcoholic beverages served at events held in school halls, demanding an explanation why the original stance by PMX was not adopted.
Its chief, Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, said that the issue of drunk drivers that continues to recur, should be an important lesson to all parties so preventive measures and education on the dangers of alcohol are strengthened, instead of giving space to that culture in schools.
He insisted that his party also supports the original stance of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that educational institutions should not be allowed to be places for alcohol consumption by any party.
"Does the government hold the view that alcoholic beverages can bring benefits to the people in terms of health or social well-being?" he asked in a statement on Facebook this morning.
Akmal said that people should not make wrong decisions for the next generation for fear of losing votes.
"If you want to drink and get foamy at the mouth, please go somewhere else!"
Last Thursday, Anwar stated that he would prefer that alcohol not be served in school premises but admitted that the government has restrictions on educational institutions run by private parties.
His statement, however, drew discontent from several parties, including DAP Advisor Lim Guan Eng.
Following this, the Cabinet on Friday decided to maintain the existing regulations and guidelines on the serving of alcoholic beverages in Chinese school halls.
The decision means alcoholic beverages could continue to be served when the halls are rented out to the public for events that do not involve students.
Akmal also criticised the government's actions which were seen as 'bowing' to the pressure of certain parties. – October 25, 2025
