KOTA TINGGI, July 26 — The recent sponsorship from a liquor company to a Chinese school in Sepang was intended for a charity concert, not for school funds, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the charity concert was organised by the school’s Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) and the School Management Board (LPS). However, there was a perception that the donation was meant for school funds.
“What happened was that the company sponsored the event (charity concert). It was organised by the PTA and the LPS.
“In this matter, it did not even mention that the donation from the liquor company was channelled to school funds as per perception,” Zahid said.
He was speaking to the press after presenting the summary of the Rural and Regional Development Ministry’s retreat programme at a hotel today.
Recently, controversy emerged when an educational charity concert intended to raise funds for building a school hall was found to also involve donations and sponsorship from a liquor company.
This angered several parties, including Umno Youth chief Muhamad Akmal Saleh, who called for an investigation and supported the Education Ministry’s (MOE) move to ban donations to schools derived from gambling, cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol.
The MOE circular, dated March 29, 2018, stipulates that donations to schools must not involve proceeds derived from gambling, tobacco, drugs, alcohol, or similar activities, which could negatively impact students’ intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and physical development.
Following that, Unity Government spokesperson cum Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the issue had been discussed in the Cabinet, and it was decided that Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek would clarify the matter.
In a previous statement, the MOE said it takes the issue seriously and is conducting further investigations. It also reminded administrators at educational institutions under its jurisdiction to adhere to the existing guidelines regarding programme organisation and donation acceptance.
— Bernama
