Deputy minister slams PAS for stirring up 'donation from brewery' issue
Published: Jul 22, 2024 6:03 PM
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh strongly condemned the opposition, particularly Selangor PAS, for stirring up the issue of a beer company raising funds for schools, distorting facts and inciting the emotions of the Malays.
Wong said the brewery company has been actively raising funds for Chinese schools for the past 30 years, significantly reducing the government’s burden and greatly enhancing school facilities.
“This year marks the 30th anniversary, and I personally attended the anniversary celebration. Over the years, the total funds raised have exceeded RM400 million, benefiting countless students,” he said today.
Wong (above) stated that PAS initially attacked Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Aiman Athirah Sabu for holding a mock cheque with the brewery company logo and then escalated to attacking the entire fundraising event, inciting racial emotions and attacking the government.
Wong described PAS’ actions as despicable and abhorrent.
He noted that the Madani government has been in power for nearly two years and has consistently provided funding to Chinese schools.
This year, the government increased the allocation for independent Chinese secondary schools to RM18.9 million.
For Chinese primary schools, aside from the annual maintenance grants, the government also provided an additional RM62 million for the maintenance and upgrading of toilets in 886 Chinese primary schools.
“We also thank all the private companies and entities supporting education, such as the Chinese Education Charity Performance, which has assisted in improving school infrastructure over the years, allowing schools to develop further,” he said.
Wong said that the efforts, dedication, and achievements of private companies in this area are evident.
Controversial event
Last Sunday, a charity event organised by the school courted controversy after it was found that a brewery company was one of the donors.
Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Aiman Athirah Sabu
Selangor state executive councillor for local government, new village development and tourism Ng Suee Lim officiated the event, which was also attended by Sungai Pelek assemblyperson Lwi Kian Keong and Aiman.
Three days ago, Selangor PAS Youth chief Mohamed Sukri Omar took to Facebook to criticise Aiman, calling the matter an embarrassment.
Yesterday, Aiman apologised to those who may have felt slighted by her holding the mock cheque with the brewery company’s logo.
However, the Sepang MP stressed that as a leader, she cannot ignore the rights of other communities.
The Education Ministry said it is investigating the allegations.
“The ministry takes this seriously and we wish to remind school administrators to adhere to existing guidelines when it comes to organising programmes and receiving donations.
“And this covers the prohibition of receiving donations from gains made through gambling activities, cigarette manufacturers, alcoholic beverage makers and the likes as they could jeopardise our students physically, intellectually, spiritually and emotionally,” it said in a statement today.
Stop nitpicking
Lwi defended Aiman and took her critics to task for nitpicking.
He added that the charity campaign has been running for decades and certain politicians are condemning it to “sway public opinion”.
Selangor state executive councillor for local government, new village development and tourism Ng Suee Lim officiated the event, which was also attended by Sungai Pelek assemblyperson Lwi Kian Keong and Aiman.
Three days ago, Selangor PAS Youth chief Mohamed Sukri Omar took to Facebook to criticise Aiman, calling the matter an embarrassment.
Yesterday, Aiman apologised to those who may have felt slighted by her holding the mock cheque with the brewery company’s logo.
However, the Sepang MP stressed that as a leader, she cannot ignore the rights of other communities.
The Education Ministry said it is investigating the allegations.
“The ministry takes this seriously and we wish to remind school administrators to adhere to existing guidelines when it comes to organising programmes and receiving donations.
“And this covers the prohibition of receiving donations from gains made through gambling activities, cigarette manufacturers, alcoholic beverage makers and the likes as they could jeopardise our students physically, intellectually, spiritually and emotionally,” it said in a statement today.
Stop nitpicking
Lwi defended Aiman and took her critics to task for nitpicking.
He added that the charity campaign has been running for decades and certain politicians are condemning it to “sway public opinion”.
Sungai Pelek assemblyperson Lwi Kian Keong
“Some extremist parties are attempting to sway public opinion, leading to resistance from Malay voters.
“They are using social media (to) mislead netizens, even photoshopping Aiman’s picture with a beer bottle, suggesting that Amanah supports alcoholic beverages,” he told Malaysiakini.
Lwi then praised Aiman, calling her an enlightened leader who was invited to attend the event alongside himself to support the school’s fundraising efforts.
“From DAP’s standpoint, we can’t ignore the mock cheque presentation ceremony... if we don’t go on stage, people will say we might be extreme.”
Lwi also pointed out that Aiman had donated RM100,000 to the school, while he donated RM10,000.
On whether the event violated the Education Ministry’s guidelines, Lwi said he would leave it to the authorities to probe the matter.
“They are using social media (to) mislead netizens, even photoshopping Aiman’s picture with a beer bottle, suggesting that Amanah supports alcoholic beverages,” he told Malaysiakini.
Lwi then praised Aiman, calling her an enlightened leader who was invited to attend the event alongside himself to support the school’s fundraising efforts.
“From DAP’s standpoint, we can’t ignore the mock cheque presentation ceremony... if we don’t go on stage, people will say we might be extreme.”
Lwi also pointed out that Aiman had donated RM100,000 to the school, while he donated RM10,000.
On whether the event violated the Education Ministry’s guidelines, Lwi said he would leave it to the authorities to probe the matter.
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