Gerakan threatens exit from PN…

Gerakan deputy president Oh Tong Keong said that if a political alliance requires all member parties to accept extremely conservative and unreasonable demands from one party, Gerakan will not hesitate to withdraw from the Perikatan Nasional (PN).

“If the Gerakan is willing to leave Barisan Nasional (BN) to oppose corrupt alliance partners, the party wouldn’t mind withdrawing from PN, if member parties continue to display religious extremism and infringe on the rights of non-Muslims.

“Even if Pas holds the most seats in PN and is the largest party, it must respect the other member parties within the coalition.

“It should not act like the big brother demanding obedience from all parties but should learn to persuade through reason,” he said, reported Sin Chew Daily.

He expressed anger and regret over recent attacks by some politicians from both the government and opposition, who used a beer company’s sponsorship of a Chinese education forum as an excuse to criticise fundraising activities for Chinese education.

He was responding to Pas information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari’s threat not to cooperate with Gerakan in the next election, due to Gerakan’s stance on donations from breweries to schools.

Oh stated that Chinese schools over the decades have painstakingly built their facilities through various fundraising activities due to a lack of funding.

He said Gerakan appreciates and supports the efforts and contributions of the Chinese community to Chinese education.

“Gerakan reiterates its firm stance in defending and supporting the Chinese community’s efforts to raise funds for Chinese education, even if it means facing unreasonable threats from Perikatan Nasional allies about not cooperating in the next election,” he said.

He added that the Gerakan remains committed to a non-racial political struggle and defending the rights of all ethnic groups as guaranteed by the federal constitution.

“Therefore, defending and maintaining mother-tongue education for Chinese and Indian communities is not only correct but should be encouraged and supported, rather than hindered,” he said.

Recently, controversy arose when a viral photo showed Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu attending a school charity event sponsored by Tiger Beer.

The event took place at SJK(C) Tche Min in Sungai Pelek, Sepang.

In response, the Education Ministry issued a reminder on July 22, emphasising that schools must follow established guidelines for organising events and accepting donations.

These guidelines prohibit donations from sources such as gambling, tobacco, drugs, and alcohol to protect students’ intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.

On July 26, the Education Ministry clarified that vernacular schools could accept donations through School Management Boards (LPS) and foundations.

However, the guidelines barring donations from gambling, tobacco, drugs, and alcohol will remain in effect.