S'gor PAS upset over deputy minister's defence of brewery donation

Selangor PAS has hurled brickbats at Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh for defending donations from a brewery company to a Chinese school in Sepang recently.

“It is disappointing that the deputy education minister was not opposed to the donation given by a brewery company despite the ministry itself barring it since 2018.

“We must not compromise on any schools disobeying circulars issued by the Education Ministry and it’s unprofessional and unethical for a government leader to not object to this,” said Selangor PAS chief Ab Halim Tamuri in a statement.

Last Sunday, a charity event organised by SJK(C) Tche Min in Sungai Pelek courted controversy after it was found that a brewery company - Tiger Beer - was one of the donors.

Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Aiman Athirah Sabu officiated the event. Sungai Pelek assemblyperson Lwi Kian Keong was also in attendance.

While the Education Ministry said it would investigate the matter, Wong criticised Selangor PAS for stirring up the issue, accusing the party of distorting facts and inciting the emotions of the Malays.

Wong said the brewery company has been actively raising funds for Chinese schools for the past 30 years, significantly reducing the government’s burden and greatly enhancing school facilities.

“This year marks the 30th anniversary, and I personally attended the anniversary celebration. Over the years, the total funds raised have exceeded RM400 million, benefiting countless students,” he was reported as saying yesterday.

‘Obey the circular’

On that note, Halim reiterated that the 2018 Education Ministry circular had clearly disallowed schools from receiving donations from companies linked to gambling, cigarettes, breweries and others.

He said that the regulation was made to ensure the source of donations would not affect students in terms of their intellectual, spiritual, emotional and physical development.

“And allowing a brewery to enter school premises is a type of direct promotion, which may normalise alcohol consumption among the population,” Halim added.

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