UMNO Youth Chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has sharply criticised the government’s decision to maintain existing guidelines that allow alcoholic beverages to be served at public events held within Chinese vernacular school premises (SJKC).
He argued that the move sends the wrong message to society, especially at a time when the country continues to grapple with the dangers of drunk driving. Instead of normalising alcohol consumption, he said, the government should strengthen preventive education and awareness among the younger generation.
Akmal questioned why Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s earlier stance — that schools should not be venues for alcohol consumption — was no longer being enforced. He urged the administration to clarify the apparent change in position, suggesting that such inconsistency raises doubts about the government’s commitment to moral and social values.
He went on to challenge the authorities to justify the decision if they truly believed alcohol consumption provided any form of benefit to society. According to him, the public deserves a clear explanation on how this policy serves the interests of health, education, or community welfare.
Akmal further alleged that the government might be bowing to political pressure rather than upholding principles that safeguard the moral fabric of the nation. He warned against making decisions that could negatively impact future generations merely to avoid losing electoral support.
The controversy follows the Cabinet’s recent decision to retain existing guidelines that permit the serving of alcohol in SJKC halls for community or public events. The decision reportedly reaffirms a long-standing practice that has been in place for years, especially in schools where cultural or social gatherings are regularly hosted by alumni associations and community organisations.
While supporters view the policy as a matter of respecting cultural diversity, critics like Akmal see it as an erosion of moral standards and a potential threat to youth values. The issue has since reignited debates over the balance between cultural tolerance and the preservation of national ethics — a recurring theme in Malaysia’s multi-ethnic society.
The government has yet to respond directly to the criticism.
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