Even PAS accepted cabinet decision, Fadhlina's aide tells Guan Eng
Published: Jul 27, 2024 3:27 PM
An aide to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has shot back at DAP chairperson Lim Guan Eng, saying even PAS leaders have accepted the cabinet decision on Chinese education fundraising.
Fadhlina’s political secretary, Atiqah Syairah Shaharuddin, cited Lim’s statement telling the minister not to align herself with PAS and Umno Youth, and that she is not “PAS’ education minister”.
“The reaction clearly shows that he is committed not only to disagreeing with the education minister but also with the cabinet’s decisions.
“PAS leaders have ceased commenting on this issue, as it is clear they adhered to the same guidelines during the 33-month administration.
“Criticising others while exposing their own flaws is hypocritical,” said Atiqah in a statement.
She said this in urging Lim (above) to end the polemic sparked by the involvement of Tiger Beer in supporting a charity event organised by SJK(C) Tche Min in Sungai Pelek, Selangor.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek
Yesterday, the ministry announced that the government has retained existing guidelines for school fundraisers that include a ban on any display and promotion of alcoholic beverages on school premises.
However, the government at the cabinet meeting this week also agreed to consider allowing vernacular schools to continue accepting donations through the schools’ administrative board, as has been practised in the past.
Further, Atiqah pointed out it was a DAP minister who raised the issue to the cabinet.
“If Fadhlina is considered to be following PAS’ lead, who is Lim following?” she asked.
Funding reform
Atiqah also asked if there could be discussions on improving school fundraisers, including via an Education Funding Reform Plan that can involve the education and finance ministries.
“This is the best time as DAP has deputy ministers in both ministries.
“As an MP who has served nearly four decades, with experience at both state and federal levels, (Lim) should be skilled in crisis management and act as a statesperson, avoiding issues that contribute to racial and religious tension,” she added.
Other than Fadhlina, Lim also questioned Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, asking why he is interfering in an issue that has no relevance to the Malay and Muslim communities, as it concerns the Chinese community.
Last night, Akmal, who defended Fadhlina, reminded Lim that Islam is the religion of the federation and most Malaysians are Malay and Muslim.
Stay firm
Malay rights group Perkasa information chief Irwan Fahmi Ideris echoed Akmal’s views and urged Fadhlina to remain firm behind the cabinet’s decision.
Irwan in a statement also reminded Lim to respect the cabinet’s decision.
Yesterday, the ministry announced that the government has retained existing guidelines for school fundraisers that include a ban on any display and promotion of alcoholic beverages on school premises.
However, the government at the cabinet meeting this week also agreed to consider allowing vernacular schools to continue accepting donations through the schools’ administrative board, as has been practised in the past.
Further, Atiqah pointed out it was a DAP minister who raised the issue to the cabinet.
“If Fadhlina is considered to be following PAS’ lead, who is Lim following?” she asked.
Funding reform
Atiqah also asked if there could be discussions on improving school fundraisers, including via an Education Funding Reform Plan that can involve the education and finance ministries.
“This is the best time as DAP has deputy ministers in both ministries.
“As an MP who has served nearly four decades, with experience at both state and federal levels, (Lim) should be skilled in crisis management and act as a statesperson, avoiding issues that contribute to racial and religious tension,” she added.
Other than Fadhlina, Lim also questioned Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, asking why he is interfering in an issue that has no relevance to the Malay and Muslim communities, as it concerns the Chinese community.
Last night, Akmal, who defended Fadhlina, reminded Lim that Islam is the religion of the federation and most Malaysians are Malay and Muslim.
Stay firm
Malay rights group Perkasa information chief Irwan Fahmi Ideris echoed Akmal’s views and urged Fadhlina to remain firm behind the cabinet’s decision.
Irwan in a statement also reminded Lim to respect the cabinet’s decision.
Federal Territories Syariah Bar Council president Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar
“If vernacular schools want to raise funds, they can ask from corporate figures without involving companies with links to negative elements such as alcohol, cigarettes and others,” he said.
Separately, Federal Territories Syariah Bar Council president Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar in a statement urged Lim to not politicise the issue that goes beyond just legal or religious concerns.
“It’s also an education and health issue. In fact even in sporting events the ban on promotions of alcoholic beverages has been in place for a long time,” he said.
Zainul stressed a similar ban is also in place in many countries, based on specific guidelines from the World Health Organisation.
Separately, Federal Territories Syariah Bar Council president Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar in a statement urged Lim to not politicise the issue that goes beyond just legal or religious concerns.
“It’s also an education and health issue. In fact even in sporting events the ban on promotions of alcoholic beverages has been in place for a long time,” he said.
Zainul stressed a similar ban is also in place in many countries, based on specific guidelines from the World Health Organisation.
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