SEREMBAN: The Old Paulians' Association (OPA) has strongly denied claims that school prefects were made to handle or serve alcoholic beverages during its centenary reunion dinner on Sept 5.
"The Association categorically refutes and unequivocally condemns these allegations. They are wholly unfounded and calculated to damage the standing, reputation, and dignity of the association and St. Paul’s Institution," its president Steven Chan said in a statement on Saturday (Oct 24).
He said that the centenary dinner, held at a private hall outside school hours, was attended by roughly 1,600 alumni and guests to raise funds for school infrastructure upgrades, educational facilities, and student welfare.
According to Chan, the student prefects who attended participated voluntarily with written parental consent, and their duties were strictly limited to ceremonial protocol, registration, selling commemorative merchandise, and welcoming guests.
"At no point whatsoever were students directed, permitted, or pressured to touch, pour, dispense, or serve alcoholic beverages," Chan emphasised, adding that a zero-tolerance directive was documented in written briefing notes and verbally reinforced by organisers.
Addressing photos or videos circulating online, Chan explained that prefects only assisted in distributing ordinary Chinese tea during the event's toast.
"Any surface foam observed immediately upon pouring was merely natural aeration from tea, which dissipated within moments. It cannot under any circumstances be construed as evidence of wine or alcoholic beverages," he said, adding that neither school administrators nor teachers ever instructed students to handle alcohol.
Chan warned that the association has sought legal counsel and will lodge a police report.
The association reserves all legal rights to file civil defamation suits against those responsible for originating or spreading the claims.
Meanwhile, the Negeri Sembilan Education Department (JPNS) said in a statement that it takes the allegations seriously, saying that students must never be involved in handling or serving alcohol.
While noting that both the school and association have denied the claims, the department confirmed it is reviewing evidence and conducting a thorough investigation to establish the facts.
"Should there be any violation of regulations or negligence, appropriate action will be taken based on existing guidelines," the department added.
