Guan Eng to Fadhlina: You are not PAS' education minister

DAP chairperson Lim Guan Eng has reminded Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek not to align herself with PAS and Umno Youth on the issue of Chinese education fundraising, emphasising that she is not “PAS’ education minister.”

“Fadhlina’s previous comments on the Chinese education fundraising event were rather stern. I hope she will reconsider her stance.

“She is not the education minister of PAS. She represents Pakatan Harapan, the unity government, and the entire nation,” said Lim (above), who is also the Air Putih assemblyperson, during a press conference at his service centre today.

According to Nanyang Siang Pau, Lim also questioned Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, asking why he is interfering in an issue that has no relevance to the Malay and Muslim communities, as it concerns the Chinese community.

He stated that DAP has a clear stance on this matter, which is that the fundraising efforts for Chinese education should not be interfered with.

This position has been brought up in the cabinet, and they are now awaiting a response from the Education Ministry.

Existing rules retained

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

However, 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.

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

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

Lim reiterated that since 1994, Tiger Beer has raised RM413 million through charity performances for Chinese education, while Carlsberg has raised RM568 million since 1987, benefiting 684 Chinese schools.

The total amount raised is RM981 million, nearly RM1 billion.

“If it weren’t for these fundraising efforts, would the Chinese primary schools be as they are today?”

Lim further questioned if PAS and Umno Youth are prepared to cover the shortfall if the method of raising funds through charity performances for Chinese primary schools is halted.

Umno Youth chief rebutted Lim, reminding him that Islam is the religion of the federation and most Malaysians are Malay and Muslim.

“This policy was created to protect racial and religious sensitivities in the country.

“Fadhlina was speaking in her capacity as a minister who respects the law as well as a Malay-Muslim minister.

“My advice to you: Don’t be insolent.”

School in ‘brewery donation’ saga should explain itself, says rep

COMMENT | Should Chinese schools receive funds from breweries?

Akmal slams Loke for defending brewery donation issue

Unity chief: PAS not brewing racial discord by rebuking deputy minister

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