DEPUTY Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that Tiger Beer did not fund a Chinese school, contrary to recent allegations. Instead, Berita Harian reported that the brewery only sponsored a charity concert for a fundraiser.

Zahid said the concert was organised by the school’s parents-teachers association and board of directors. “There was no contribution from the alcohol company to any school, contrary to the perception that has arisen,” Zahid, who is also the Umno president, said.

The Education Ministry announced on Monday that it is investigating the incident and reminded schools to adhere to 2018 guidelines, which prohibit accepting donations from activities related to gambling, tobacco, drugs, and alcohol.

Unity government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said the education ministry was tasked with clarifying whether Chinese schools can receive donations from alcohol companies, following the issue being raised in a Cabinet meeting.

PAS criticised Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Aiman Athirah Sabu for receiving a mock cheque for RM3 million bearing Tiger Beer’s logo at a fundraiser for SJK(C) Tche Min in Sungai Pelek, Selangor.

Tiger Beer denied ever giving donations to schools, stating that its involvement in the controversial fundraiser was limited to sponsoring performances by local artistes at the concert. – 26 July 2024.