Brewery fundraising: Akmal questioned for targeting DAP

 

A DAP leader today lashed out at Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh for singling out the party over fundraising for Chinese schools involving breweries.

“Questions need to be asked on his (Akmal’s) intentions to insinuate and single out a DAP minister (Anthony Loke) when it is a collective cabinet decision.

“Fact is, such practices have been ongoing for 30 over years through different administrations but has never been made an issue,” said DAP Youth chief Dr Kelvin Yii in a statement.

Earlier today, Akmal sarcastically congratulated Loke after it was reported that such fundraisers can be held in schools but logos of alcoholic drinks cannot be displayed.

“After this, can also invite gambling companies to hold programmes in schools?

“Not stopping with just donations, today we will allow liquor companies to hold programmes in school as well?” Akmal posted, calling Loke the “acting education minister”.

Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh

Stop instigating division

Rebuking the Umno leader, Yii said Akmal should focus on issues the country is facing instead of instigating division.

Such issues include adequate funding for all schools and education reform to ensure the quality of education is on par with developed countries.

“A responsible leader always finds an opportunity to unite and not divide,” Yii added.

On the recent controversy, he stressed that the issue now is getting enough funds for schools to complement aid received from the government.

“No one wants to bring negative influence to schools and the students.

“And this principle is reflected in the cabinet decision where logos and advertisement of such items are not allowed in schools,” the DAP leader said.

Yesterday, Loke clarified there is no grey area in the cabinet’s decision on guidelines for Chinese school fundraisers.

He said such events hosted in schools must not include displays or promotions of alcoholic beverages.

He also pointed out that these events were mostly held outside school premises and attended by parents as well as supporters, not students. - Mkini