Cabinet affirms current rules on school hall use, allowing private events under existing non-school-hour guidelines.
PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet has ruled that current guidelines on the use of school facilities, including events serving alcoholic beverages, will remain unchanged, following concerns raised over recent remarks by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the decision came after clarification that some school facilities, particularly halls are either privately built or managed by independent bodies.
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“On the issue of schools and events involving alcoholic beverages, the Cabinet was reminded and agreed that the existing guidelines and practices will remain in force without any changes,” he said at a post-Cabinet press conference yesterday.
“The current guidelines and regulations continue to apply. The Cabinet was also informed that some Chinese vernacular schools receive full government aid while certain facilities are managed by the school boards or developed by private entities.
“There are specific considerations that apply particularly to (the schools) but further details can be referred to the statement that will be issued by the Education Ministry.
“Some of these schools have halls that are either managed by their boards or built by private parties.”
Under current rules, school facilities may be used by external parties with prior approval, provided the activities do not conflict with the school’s educational function.
This long-standing practice has allowed community and cultural events, including wedding receptions and fundraising dinners, to take place in vernacular school halls as long as alcohol is not served during school hours or to students.
The issue drew attention after Anwar said at Parliament on Thursday that school premises, even when rented to external organisers, are generally not intended for events involving alcohol or gambling, emphasising that schools should remain focused on education.
He added that the guidance was not meant to restrict the rights of non-Muslims but to uphold widely accepted standards of educational conduct and decorum.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has since reportedly engaged with Anwar to address concerns raised by members of the Chinese Malaysian community who interpreted the prime minister’s remarks as a challenge to long-standing customs.
DAP adviser and Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng said Loke’s engagement seeks a compromise that respects the community’s traditions.
“Anthony Loke understands the Chinese community’s concerns and has taken the initiative to speak with the prime minister to seek a compromise that allows the community to continue its traditions and customs.”
He added that Anwar’s remarks created widespread unease within the community over perceived interference in social practices.
