Guan Eng backs cabinet on brewery issue, clarifies statement

 

DAP chairperson Lim Guan Eng has reportedly voiced support for the cabinet’s stance regarding the recent controversy on a brewery’s involvement in a Chinese national-type school’s fundraising event.

He said his remarks yesterday aimed at Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek were made in the morning before her ministry issued a statement later in the afternoon that essentially maintained the status quo.

“At the time, the Education Ministry’s statement had not yet been released, so I expressed my views hoping she wouldn’t be too rigid and would consider. These were very normal and uncontroversial remarks,” Sin Chew Daily quoted him as saying today.

However, he said Fadhlina’s political secretary Atiqah Syairah Shaharuddin thought he issued the statement after the ministry revealed the cabinet’s position.

“The cabinet's statement has been issued, and our DAP leader Anthony Loke conveyed our views in the cabinet, which were accepted.

“This is a cabinet decision, and as members of the unity government, we will certainly support the cabinet's collective decision,” he reportedly said.

Yesterday, Lim urged Fadhlina not to align herself with PAS and Umno on the issue of fundraising events in Chinese schools, emphasising that she is not “PAS’ education minister”.

Fadhlina’s aide Atiqah subsequently rebuked Lim, noting that even PAS leaders have accepted the cabinet’s position.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek

“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,” she said.

Guidelines retained

Yesterday, the Education Ministry said it is retaining existing guidelines that ban schools from accepting contributions from the proceeds of alcohol, drugs, gambling, and similar activities deemed harmful to student development.

However, it said vernacular schools may still accept donations from the administrative board, as has been practised in the past.

The controversy erupted after PAS criticised Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Aiman Athirah Sabu for attending the Tiger-Sinchew Chinese Education Fundraising Concert, where she was seen holding a mock cheque featuring the beer brand’s logo.

In its immediate response, the Education Ministry reminded school administrators of its guidelines for accepting contributions, with Fadhlina saying there would be no exceptions or review of the guideline.

Loke, who is the transport minister and DAP secretary-general, brought the issue for discussion at a cabinet meeting, resulting in the Education Ministry's statement to maintain the previous status quo.

Tiger Beer has since clarified that it merely provided performing artists for the concert and did not donate to the school. - Mkini