Dong Zong demands written assurance to avoid a repeat of the brewery controversy
Dong Zong chairman Tan Yew Seng is seeking written assurance from the Education Ministry (MoE) about its guidelines on accepting donations for schools.
“The assurance that it will not affect Chinese and Tamil schools is merely verbal.
“Therefore, I believe the ministry’s handling will not satisfy the Chinese community, Chinese education sector, and Dong Zong.
“This kind of compromise approach has led to numerous setbacks for Chinese education,” Tan said, reported Oriental Daily.
Recently, the MoE announced that its guidelines that ban schools from accepting donations from breweries would remain unchanged.
However, it said that vernacular schools could continue to accept donations from breweries through School Management Boards (LPS).
“We are dissatisfied because today’s assurance is that it will not affect Chinese and Tamil schools, but if the education minister or prime minister are replaced , new directives might be introduced that could impact school fundraising.”
“Looking ahead, although a minister may advocate for the Chinese community today, what about in three or five years?” he asked.
He believes that a written directive from the Ministry is necessary for a permanent solution, to alleviate concerns and doubts within the Chinese community.
On July 22, the MoE reminded educational institutions to follow existing guidelines for organising events and accepting donations.
These guidelines prohibit schools from accepting donations from sources such as gambling, tobacco, drugs, and alcohol due to concerns about their potential negative effects on students’ well-being.
This reminder was issued after a photo of Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu at a charity event sponsored by Tiger Beer went viral.
Following this, on July 24, Seremban MP Anthony Loke raised the issue with the Cabinet, proposing a review of the current prohibition on brewery donations.
By July 26, the MoE said that the guidelines would remain unchanged. However, it clarified that vernacular schools could still accept donations through their boards of directors and foundations.