PARLIAMENT | Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said his preference is for alcohol not to be served on school grounds.
He stressed that this was not to restrict the rights of non-Muslims, but to uphold schools as places of education for children.
"I believe among my friends here, there are also concerns that it seems like we want to impose Islamic values and views, but that's not what I mean.
"What I mean is to look at the concept and philosophy of education, is education just about gaining knowledge, sophistication of knowledge, intelligence of knowledge, or building, shaping humans, human values?" he told the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was referring to the serving of alcohol at a recent alumni gathering held at St Michael’s Institution in Ipoh.
PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shari (PN-Pasir Mas) raised the issue with the premier.
Anwar said the principle of prohibiting alcohol and gambling at school grounds was enforceable at public schools, admitting that the government had limited powers over private schools.
"That's a little bit of a problem. (We have to) see how, to what extent, lies the limit of the government's jurisdiction.
"But if the school is government-owned, I don't think we should violate these principles," he commented.
‘MOE looking into regulations’
According to a report from Focus Malaysia, the Old Michaelian’s Association held its 90th Annual Reunion Banquet 2025, which was attended by nearly 800 alumni.
In a statement shortly afterwards, Ismi Taib (PN-Parit) slammed the event, calling it an "alcohol party".
He urged the Education Ministry to investigate the event and act against any party that allowed it to happen.
Anwar further said the Education Ministry is looking into its regulations.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek had brought the matter to his attention, saying the regulations on it had to be tightened, he added.
"Even though it is said that this (school) was rented by an independent body, for example, and there was alcohol, there was gambling - this is not educating children.
"It violates our own educational concept and philosophy," he said.
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