Sponsorship of charity concert, not a donation to the school, says Zahid
KUALA LUMPUR: The recent issue concerning a liquor company sponsoring a Chinese school in Sepang, Selangor, was related to a charity concert and not a donation to the school, said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
According to Berita Harian, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that there was a misconception that liquor and tobacco companies were channeling funds to Chinese schools.
He explained that the charity concert was organized by the Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) of the school and the School Management Board.
“What we discussed at the Cabinet meeting last Wednesday was not about donations from the liquor company or tobacco company or similar companies.
“What happened was that the company sponsored the ‘event’ (charity concert) organized by the PIBG and the School Management Board. This matter does not mention donations from the liquor company to any school as perceived.
“It does not refer to donations from the liquor company to schools (Chinese schools),” he said.
He made these comments at a press conference after delivering a summary at the Main Program Retreat of the Ministry of Rural Development (KKDW) at the Desaru Convention Centre today.
The day before, the media reported that the issue of donations and sponsorships from liquor companies to Chinese schools would be addressed by the Minister of Education, Fadhlina Sidek.
Government spokesperson and Minister of Communications, Fahmi Fadzil, stated that the issue was discussed in the Cabinet, but it was left to the relevant minister to provide an explanation.
Last Wednesday, DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke was reported to be providing an explanation to the Cabinet regarding the issue of donations and sponsorships from liquor companies to Chinese schools.
Previously, the Ministry of Education conducted further investigations into claims that a national-type Chinese school in Sepang received donations from a liquor company.
On Sunday, controversy arose when it was found that a charity concert intended to raise funds to build a school hall, which had been established for 30 years, also involved sponsorship from a liquor company.
This sparked outrage from various parties, including UMNO Youth Chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh.
He was reported to support the Ministry of Education and Fadhlina, who banned donations involving proceeds from gambling, tobacco, drugs, and alcohol to schools.
The Malaysian Ministry of Education (KPM) previously stated that it took the matter seriously and was conducting further investigations.
KPM also reminded administrators at educational institutions under its jurisdiction to adhere to existing guidelines related to event organization and donation acceptance.
A KPM circular dated March 29, 2018, stated that donations to schools should not involve companies related to alcohol, tobacco, gambling, or similar activities as it could negatively impact students’ spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.