KUALA LUMPUR – PAS might not work together with Gerakan in the next general election if it chooses to maintain its stance on the controversy involving donations from a liquor company to schools.
In a Facebook post, PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said the party is disappointed with Gerakan’s stance over the matter.
“Gerakan’s official stance on such donations to schools is very disappointing.
“If this is what Gerakan consistently shows, it is very possible that we cannot be together in GE16,” he said.
Gerakan had made the same stance with DAP that alcohol or tobacco companies should not be prevented from donating funds to Chinese vernacular schools.
Its president, Datuk Dr Dominic Lau, claimed that Chinese vernacular schools lack sufficient funding from the federal government for their operations.
He said the top facilities and amenities in these schools are largely due to external funding from both large companies and small traders and hawkers.
Last week, a fundraising event was held at SJK (C) Tche Min, where photos were taken of Amanah politician and Housing and Local Government Deputy Minister Aiman Athirah Sabu holding a mock cheque for RM3 million bearing the Tiger Beer logo.
Sg Pelek assemblyman Lwi Kian Keong also attended the event at the school in Sg Pelek, Selangor.
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh then pointed out that Tiger Beer, which is owned by Heineken Malaysia Bhd, has been hosting fundraisers for the past 30 years, allowing vernacular schools to upgrade their amenities without relying on the government.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, who is also transport minister, had previously said he would seek a cabinet review of the Education Ministry’s guidelines against schools receiving funds generated from the sale of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages.
Tiger Beer denied making charitable donations to schools, claiming that its role in the fundraiser event, known as the Chinese Education Charity Concert, only involved sponsorship of performances by local artists.
The brand added that event organisers have always been mindful of ensuring that all their programmes and activities are respectful of religious and cultural sensitivities while maintaining compliance with local regulations. – July 28, 2024