A Chinese school in Sepang recently held a charity performance and fundraising event that involved the sponsorship of a beer company, which raised much attention from certain political parties.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) said in a statement that they are investigating the matter. Malaysian Islamic Political Party (PAS), however, had a lot to say about the matter according to his official statement on Facebook.
“It violates the circular set by the MOE! It’s unhealthy and immoral to the education system.” said Haji Sabirin Marsono, the Deputy Commissioner of PAS in Selangor.
Sabirin said the presence of alcohol has defiled the purity of the education system by involving, exhibiting, and promoting alcohol which can be morally damaging, particularly for school students.
“The involvement of liquour in school is a direct promotion of alcohol,” Sabirin added.
Sabirin also highlighted that incidents like these certainly raise questions about the level of monitoring carried out by the Ministry of Education and Culture over donation activities that take place in schools.
Ministry of Education’s circular letter dated 29 March 2018
In his post, Sabirin also pointed out that the circular letter by the MOE states that the procedure for receiving donations in schools cannot involve the proceeds from gambling, cigarettes, drugs, and liquor.
“It can affect the potential of students intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and physically,” he explained.
“You could’ve told everyone that it was against Islamic values”
In the meantime, Sabirin also questioned the presence of Datuk Aiman Athirah Al Jundi, a member of parliament (MP) for Sepang, who claimed that she only knew about the beer company’s sponsorship when she was at the event.
To Sabirin, the MP, who “seemed supportive” of the event, could’ve told everyone about the concern regarding receiving funds from a beer company and everyone would’ve understood and respected her.
“The organiser would not have invited her on stage where she was seen holding the mock cheque with a logo of the beer company.”
In a press conference today, Anthony Loke said he will be explaining the matter tomorrow (July 24) to other ministers.
