Alcohol In School Halls Cabinet Decides To Keep Existing Rules Practice

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The cabinet today decided to maintain existing rules and regulations regarding the serving of alcoholic beverages at Chinese school halls.
This means alcoholic beverages could continue to be served when the halls are rented out to the public for events that do not involve students.
Government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil announced the decision during a post-cabinet meeting press conference in Putrajaya this afternoon.
"Firstly, in today’s meeting, the cabinet discussed the issue regarding schools and the organisation of events where alcoholic beverages are served.
ADS"The cabinet was reminded and decided that the existing guidelines and current practices are to remain in effect - there will be no changes to the existing guidelines," he said.
According to Fahmi, the Education Ministry will issue a statement later to clarify the matter.
He added that certain practices are applicable to Chinese schools, as some of them have facilities that are built and maintained either by the school management board or private parties.
‘Don’t serve’
Yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told the Dewan Rakyat that he would rather alcohol not be served on school grounds.
His remarks came in response to an issue raised by opposition MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari regarding the serving of alcohol at a recent alumni gathering held at St Michael’s Institution in Ipoh.
Anwar said the principle of prohibiting alcohol and gambling at school grounds was enforceable at public schools, admitting that the government had limited powers over private schools.
Following this, DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng slammed the prime minister, saying his remarks caused frustration among Chinese Malaysians, as the move was seen as an unnecessary intrusion into long-standing customs.
Lim, who is Bagan MP, pointed out that Chinese community halls within vernacular schools have, for decades, hosted weddings, temple dinners, and entertainment events where alcohol was traditionally served - all held outside school hours and without student involvement.
- Mkini

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