Disappointed with Gerakan's stance, PAS hints at potential split in GE16
PAS has expressed its disappointment with Gerakan’s stance on the issue of donations from alcohol proceeds to vernacular schools.
In a Facebook post, PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari did not rule out the possibility that the two parties, both part of Perikatan Nasional, may not maintain that alliance in the future for the 16th general election.
“Gerakan’s official stance...
PAS has expressed its disappointment with Gerakan’s stance on the issue of donations from alcohol proceeds to vernacular schools.
In a Facebook post, PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari did not rule out the possibility that the two parties, both part of Perikatan Nasional, may not maintain that alliance in the future for the 16th general election.
“Gerakan’s official stance on the issue of donations to schools from alcohol proceeds is very disappointing.
“If this is what Gerakan always highlights, in GE16 it is not impossible that we won’t be together in a political alliance,” Fadhli (above, left) said.
Yesterday, Gerakan was reported to have concurred with DAP’s view of supporting fundraising events sponsored by breweries.
Its president Dominic Lau said this is because Chinese schools have not been given sufficient funds by the federal government to continue their operations.
He explained that all the facilities that are considered to be the best that Chinese schools have are the result of donations from external parties, not only from large companies but also from small traders and hawkers.
“If you don't want these Chinese schools to receive funds, okay, we agree, but the government has to provide sufficient funds to these schools,” he said in a press conference yesterday.
Uproar over brewery donation
Previously, PAS leaders criticised DAP’s stance of supporting vernacular schools working with breweries to organise fundraising events.
The right-wing party also 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.
On Friday, 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.
“However, the minister insists that the organisation of activities involving liquor brands cannot involve Muslim students,” the ministry reportedly said.
