Anthony Loke’s recent call for a review on the Education Ministry’s guideline that bans schools from receiving funds from tobacco and alcohol companies have triggered pushbacks from various groups including the youth leaders from UMNO and MIC.

My concern aside from the blatant display of brewery banners in the school compound, is that educational institutions are supposed to be sacred, and that their sanctity must be protected at all cost, in line with the important role that they play in shaping the nation’s future generations.

This recent move by the DAP’s Secretary General raises questions about their sincerity in looking after the interest of the Chinese community.

Why are they fine with promoting alcoholic drinks to underage students when they know the students would be much better off being 100% focused in their studies and working towards scoring good grades?

I am confident that there are plenty other respectable businesses that would appropriately represent the Chinese community’s strong respect for education and are eager to contribute in place of the breweries.

But it could also be that the DAP values the interest of the breweries more than the future of the younger generations from the Chinese community.

If so, are they really deserving representatives for the Chinese here in Malaysia?

It’s not looking too good but that is ultimately up to the Chinese community to decide.

Jauhari Johar
25th July 2024