Education minister: No exemptions, review of donation guidelines

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has ruled out providing exemptions or reviewing the guidelines which forbid schools from receiving funds generated from the sale of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages.

She said while all contributions are welcome, these however must be in accordance with the ministry’s guidelines.

“So my advice is to follow the guidelines.

“Schools must ensure that the responsibility is with the administrators to ascertain that everything runs smoothly,” she told reporters in Selayang today.

Asked if there would be exemptions for vernacular schools to obtain donations from private firms, Fadhlina reiterated the importance of adhering to the guidelines.

On MCA stating that all schools should receive equal government funding if there is concern about the source of funding, the minister referred to the existing policies.

READ MORE: A guide to the Chinese schools education system in Malaysia

“MCA must look at the rules and policies in place. MCA must know the categories of (different) schools,” she added.

Ministry probe to ‘provide guidance’

Responding to another question about whether the guidelines would be reviewed, Fadhlina said: “The guidelines will remain.”

“I wish to stress again that schools belong to the community.

“We welcome all contributions. But we will help (with the guidelines) including those parties who wish to donate so that it is in line with our guidelines,” she added.

Yesterday, the Education Ministry said it is probing the allegation that a Chinese school in Sepang received donations from a company producing alcoholic beverages.

The ministry also reminded school administrators to follow the existing guidelines.

Commenting on the investigation, Fadhlina described it more as “providing guidance” to ensure that the guidelines have been followed.

The ministry circular came into effect in March 2018 when BN was helming the government.

Chinese schools have received funding from various sources, including breweries, for decades.

The latest controversy surrounds a charity drive for vernacular schools which has been taking place for the past 30 years.

School donation: Circular issued when MCA in power, DAP MP reminds Wee

Aiman calls PAS 'hypocrites' over brewery donation issue

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

PAS harming racial ties with brewery issue – Dong Jiao Zong

Brewery donation: Give schools equal funding then, MCA veep tells govt

Deputy minister slams PAS for stirring up 'donation from brewery' issue

MOE probes claims of Chinese school receiving donation from brewery