No change to existing schools' fundraising guidelines - ministry

The government has retained existing guidelines for school fundraisers that include a ban on any display and promotion of alcoholic beverages on school premises.

The Education Ministry however today said the government has also agreed to consider allowing vernacular schools to continue accepting donations through the schools’ administrative board, as has been practised in the past.

“However, the cabinet stresses that the hosting of any activities involving any brand of alcoholic drinks cannot involve any Muslim students,” said the ministry.

Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh noted that the controversy had started with the opposition playing with racial sentiments by attacking Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Aiman Athirah Sabu and explained that the cabinet’s intention is to let everyone watch the next concert.

“What the cabinet needed to do is to not allow the opposition to continue stirring things up, and to allow the fundraising performances to continue.

“Most importantly, the cabinet decided that the fundraising performances will continue. The cabinet's stance is to let everyone see the next charity performance.

“The Tiger-Sinchew fundraising concerts will continue, without a doubt, as will other activities by beer companies and media. At that time, elected representatives from the government will physically attend, as usual, to support the fundraising concerts and Chinese schools through their actions,” he said.

Last Sunday, a charity event organised by SJK(C) Tche Min in Sungai Pelek, Selangor, courted controversy after it was found that Tiger Beer was involved.

READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | How concerts help Chinese schools raise money

Aiman officiated the event which Sungai Pelek assemblyperson Lwi Kian Keong also attended.

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.

Aiman also lashed out at her detractors over her participation in the event, labelling them as “hypocrites”.

Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh and Putera MIC chief S Shatesh Kumar have since slammed Transport Minister Anthony Loke for defending the brewery donation issue.

Tiger Beer yesterday denied ever making any monetary contributions to schools, clarifying that its role was solely in presenting local performing artists for the event.

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