An Open Letter To Pas Followers Who Berate Liquor Party At 90th St Michael S Alumni Reunion

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Editor’s Note: This is an interesting rebuttal by a commenter to a social media re-post of PAS activist Nurul Islam Mohamed Yusoff who chastised the Education Ministry for being lax in enforcing a non-alcohol ruling in school premises.
This is in re-action to the Islamist party’s furore over the Old Michaelian’s Association’s (OMA) 90th Annual Reunion Banquet 2025 which was entirely a private affair but staged at the old pupils’ alma mater in Ipoh as would any other old boys’ gatherings, be it Old Xavierian or Old Lasallian.

I HAVE read your comments with great interest. In reviewing the attached document I came across, I would like to offer some feedback to ensure that any potential misinformation being circulated can be clarified and accurately addressed.
Claim of a “Liquor Party in a School Compound
The viral statement alleging a “liquor party” held at SMK St. Michael, Ipoh during the 90th Annual Alumni Reunion Banquet should be viewed with rationality and proper context, not with emotional or hasty accusations.
A school compound does not mean it involves studentsThe event was organised by adult alumni – former students who are now professionals, businessmen and respected members of society, long graduated from the school. No schooling pupils were involved – and the event took place outside school hours – not within the framework of formal education.
Mission schools have their own historical and cultural traditionsSMK St. Michael is one of Malaysia’s oldest missionary schools with a diverse and international community. Since before Independence, its alumni events have brought together Malaysians of various faiths and backgrounds.

To claim that such a gathering of adults “corrupts students’ morals” is baseless and ignores the school’s long history as a symbol of inclusive and multi-cultural education.

No evidence of any law being brokenAlcoholic beverages are legal for non-Muslims in Malaysia. When served privately to consenting adults who are non-Muslims, it does not breach any law – especially when the event is not organised by the school but by a registered alumni association that lawfully rented the premises with permission.

Do not turn moral concerns into populist politicsDragging non-Muslim social or cultural practices into religious political debates only breeds prejudice and division.
Malaysia is a pluralistic nation; freedom of religion and culture are guaranteed by the Federal Constitution. Respecting others’ way of life does not mean endorsing it – it is a sign of maturity and civic decency.
The real solution is inclusive policy, not blanket bans.If the Education Ministry wishes to tighten rental procedures for school facilities, any new guideline should be fair and inclusive to all communities, not based solely on one religious standard.

A total prohibition on “alcohol” would raise serious questions about the rights of non-Muslim citizens whose practices are lawful.
Conclusion: Upholding morality is important but morality should never be used as a tool to deny the legitimate rights of others.
The dignity of an educational institution is not measured by who rents its hall but by how well it upholds respect for diversity and justice in public policy.
As an observer, I am concerned that your post could inadvertently stir negative sentiments and risk contributing to social tension.
From a broader perspective, it also appears inconsistent with the interests of all Malaysians which are protected under the principles of the Federal Constitution and the Rukun Negara.
The Rukun Negara (National Principles) (Image credit: The Star)May I respectfully ask did you consider contacting the organisers of the reunion or seeking clarification from the relevant parties before making this condemnation public?
Doing so would help ensure that your statements are accurate and aligned with the spirit of fairness and social harmony that our national framework upholds.

- focus malaysia

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