Prove that Chinese students are consuming beer or drunk in schools, Lim dares Sanusi

DAP National Chairman Lim Guan Eng challenged Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor to either provide proof that Chinese primary school students drink beer or stop spreading baseless claims.

“I challenge Kedah Chief Minister Muhammad Sanusi to provide evidence of  Chinese primary school students drinking beer or getting drunk at school.

“Otherwise, he should stop spreading baseless claims. Sanusi’s irresponsible remarks are highly unfair to the Chinese community,” he said in a Facebook post. 

He said there is nothing wrong with beer companies sponsoring fundraising events for Chinese schools. 

“For over 30 years, beer companies have sponsored Chinese education without any reports of primary school students drinking or getting drunk at school. 

“No parents have complained that their children became alcoholics after a beer company sponsored a school fundraising event,” he said adding that Sanusi’s comments are an unfounded insult to Chinese education and schools. 

He said that the Cabinet has allowed beer companies to continue sponsoring Chinese school fundraising activities. 

“However, some individuals still refuse to let Chinese primary schools be, which is truly regrettable. I hope the public will stand up to prevent these extremists from further spreading their influence,” he said. 

Sanusi had previously criticised Lim for supporting the sponsorship of Chinese school fundraisers by alcoholic beverage companies.

On July 22, the Education Ministry (MoE) reminded educational institutions to adhere to existing guidelines for organising events and accepting donations. 

These guidelines specifically ban the display of alcohol brand logos during fundraising events held on school premises and accepting donations from breweries. 

The reminder came after a photo showing Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu at a charity event sponsored by Tiger Beer went viral. 

In response, on July 24, Seremban MP Anthony Loke brought the issue before the Cabinet, suggesting a review of current guidelines that ban accepting donations from breweries. 

By July 26, MoE clarified that vernacular schools can accept donations through their boards of directors and foundations. 

However, the ban on displaying alcohol brand logos at fundraising events within school premises remains in place.