Normal for ministers and deputies to contribute to schools, says Maszlee

KUALA LUMPUR: It is normal for ministers and deputy ministers to give contribution for schools, says Education Minister Maszlee Malik.

Maszlee said ministers and their deputies receive countless requests from schools and Parent-Teacher Associations for contributions and other forms of help.

"So, wherever they (ministers and deputy ministers) go, they may give some contribution as they feel responsible to help them, especially in their own constituencies," he told reporters at the Parliament lobby on Wednesday (Nov 6).

Maszlee said this in reference to the RM5,000 contribution by fellow Cabinet Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub at SJK (C) Pei Chio Kukup Laut near Tanjung Piai recently.

Maszlee, however, refused to comment on Salahuddin's alleged speech which had gone viral, with the latter saying that the country would be in chaos if Barisan Nasional returned to power, with shootings and arsons everywhere.

Maszlee said he had not seen the video and did not want to speculate further on the matter.

"I need to listen to it (speech) because I am not sure about this. I do not want to simply comment," he said.

Maszlee also refused to comment when pressed further if it was right for political campaigns to be held in schools.

"As mentioned, it is usual for ministers and deputy ministers to receive applications.

"Wherever they go, people will ask them for (contribution) and they may feel responsible to help them," reiterated Maszlee.

On Tuesday (Nov 5), Salahuddin had clarified his statement after Umno had branded his speech as "racist and chauvinistic".

Salahuddin said he was merely reminding political parties not to play up racial and religious issues in the Tanjung Piai by-election, as it could lead to disharmony.