Minister slams PAS, says Aiman Athirah is a ‘leader for all Malaysians’
PETALING JAYA: Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming (pic) has come to the defence of his deputy Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu who was criticised by the Opposition for her presence at a recent fundraising event for Chinese primary schools sponsored by a beer company.
While such charity events have been helping the schools for four decades, he said Aiman Athirah’s presence showed that she is a “leader for all Malaysians”, regardless of race.
“I want to defend my deputy, Aiman Athirah, who recently attended a fundraising charity dinner for Chinese primary schools.
“Although the event was sponsored by a beer company, I want to reiterate that Aiman Athirah is a leader for all Malaysians, regardless of race. As a woman leader, she represents the diversity of our nation.
“She attended the event and even pledged a RM10,000 donation to the Chinese primary school.
“Unfortunately, her generosity and kindness were heavily criticised by PAS.
“This once again demonstrates attempts by PAS to politicise charitable events involving the Chinese schools,” he said after attending an event to hand over allocations for non-Muslim houses of worship in Penampang, Sabah, yesterday.
On Sunday, Aiman Athirah officiated a fundraising dinner by SJK(C) Tche Min in Sungai Pelek, Selangor, that was sponsored by a brewery.
Sungai Pelek assemblyman Lwi Kian Keong and state local government, new village development and tourism chairman Ng Suee Lim were also present.
Controversy erupted when PAS took issue with the Sepang MP when she was seen on stage with several others behind a RM3mil mock cheque bearing the logo of the brewery, alleging it was “normalising” alcohol consumption.
On Tuesday, the Education Ministry said it was investigating the incident and has reminded schools to follow the existing 2018 guidelines, which state that donations in schools cannot involve proceeds from gambling, cigarettes, drugs and liquor.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry would not review or grant exemptions from these donation guidelines, including for vernacular schools.
The issue has since received mixed views, with some saying that having a fair allocation system for all government schools would not necessitate some schools raising their own funds.
Nga pointed out that such fundraisers are not new and have been around since the 1980s.
“Such fundraisers for Chinese primary schools have been organised since 1984.
“These events have raised significant funds over the decades to support Chinese primary education,” he said.
Insisting that Aiman Athirah should not be condemned, Nga slammed PAS for resorting to its “outdated and conservative approach by trying to divide Muslims and non-Muslims”.
“This behaviour is totally unacceptable and goes against the harmonious, multicultural fabric of our society,” he said.
He also called on the people in Sabah to see through PAS’ “divisive tactics” and reject the Islamist party in the coming state election.
“I urge Sabahans to reject PAS and their attempts to undermine our unity.
“Let’s protect the beautiful multicultural tradition and way of life in Sabah,” he said.
