Several Malay parents whose children attend Chinese schools say brewery-sponsored charity concerts are acceptable, as long as they serve the institution’s best interests.
Lily Diana, whose nine-year-old son attends Yuk Chai primary school in Selangor, was unperturbed by a controversy over a recent Chinese Education Charity Concert which displayed a Tiger Beer logo in its event materials.
I have no issue (with the concert) as long as the money will be used to improve school facilities, and the donation does not come from the beer brands,
The controversy first erupted when PAS criticised a deputy minister for receiving a RM3 million mock cheque bearing a Tiger Beer logo at a Chinese primary school event in Sungai Pelek, Selangor.
The brewery has since said its role was limited to coordinating performances by local artistes at the concert and working with the school’s parent-teacher association and board of directors.
Tiger Beer also said the RM413 million raised over 30 years from the annual charity concert has been entirely contributed by the local community, with no donations coming directly from the company to any school.
Another parent, Zareena, whose daughter attends Yuk Choy primary school in Ipoh, said she has no regrets about enrolling her daughter into a Chinese school, as her priority has always been the quality of her child’s education.
I personally did not care (about the controversy) because I sent my child to a Chinese school to receive an education. I can say that she will have a bright future after mastering a third language and the discipline of a vernacular school.
The 40-year-old freelancer also said the charity concert should be allowed to continue as long as it does not require the participation of children and Muslims.
No promotions of alcoholic products
A parent who wants to be known only as Kai Ern said the brewery company did not attempt to promote any alcoholic products at the event.
I personally have never seen any brewery being advertised on school grounds,
she said, adding that she has not heard about a brewery giving donations to Puay Chai primary school, which her daughter attends.
Joyce, whose grandson attends Yuk Chai primary school in Petaling Jaya, said the concerts have been held annually since 1994, but were never made an issue until now.
She added that the money raised would be used for a good cause, which was to improve the facilities and infrastructure of the schools.
To me, that’s all right. They are not asking you to drink beer. They are only sponsoring the event.
Source : FMT
The Coverage Malaysia
