KUCHING, Oct 26 2025: Sarawak rights activist Peter John Jaban has urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to clarify whether his recent “No alcohol in schools” directive applies equally to Chinese vernacular and rural schools in Sarawak.
He reminded that the compounds of these schools, especially the rural schools, often serve as “community centres” for local gatherings and fundraising events.
“Some rural schools in Sarawak organise events within their compounds to raise funds to repair damaged classrooms, toilets, tables and chairs, or even to rebuild dilapidated buildings.
“These schools are not just centres of learning but they are the hearts of the local communities,” he said today in a statement when commenting on Anwar’s recent statement.
Peter warned that rigid enforcement could hinder parent–teacher associations (PIBG) from raising much-needed funds to maintain rural schools, given that government allocations are often delayed or insufficient.
“If this rule (not to serve alcohol within the school premises) is applied rigidly, it could stop parent–teacher associations and local committees from organising fundraising dinners that help keep rural schools functioning.
“How can parents raise funds if not through these community events?” he asked, adding:”We cannot depend solely on government allocations.”
On October 23, the prime minister declared that his Madani government would not compromise on any event involving the serving of alcohol or activities deemed to contradict educational values within school premises even after school hours.
He further stated that even if a school hall is rented by external parties, such as alumni associations, it should not be used for any activity that violates the nation’s educational rules and philosophy.
Peter responded by saying that the prime minister must first define clearly what constitutes “educational values” before imposing blanket restrictions on all schools, including those in Sarawak.
“If events in school halls are prohibited on the basis of ‘values’, then perhaps the government should also explain whether it is acceptable for students to be encouraged to carry toy firearms and wear Palestinian keffiyeh scarves like militant fighters in school programmes” he questioned.
“Are such activities part of Malaysia’s national education philosophy? he asked.
He further questioned why other serious issues in schools have not been addressed with the same urgency.
Peter said before imposing rigid moral standards on harmless community events, the prime minister should first address real and recurring problems in schools such as bullying, violence, and moral decay among students.
He added these are far greater threats to the children’s education and national values than community dinners held to raise funds for school repairs.
Peter questioned whether the federal government’s rule is formulated with an understanding of the unique cultural and logistical realities faced by rural Sarawakian communities, noting that such policies should be applied with flexibility and respect for local conditions.
He also questioned whether the directive applies uniformly across all schools, including Chinese vernacular schools, or whether certain schools are exempted.
“The government must be transparent and consistent,” he said, asking if this rule meant for all schools, or will Chinese schools be exempted.
“If there are exceptions, then Sarawakian communities deserve to know why the same flexibility cannot be given to our rural schools,” he asked.
Peter stressed that while the intention to uphold school discipline and values is understandable, the implementation must be context-sensitive and must respect Sarawak’s autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He further warned against attempts to impose Peninsular Malaysian ideology or social norms on Sarawak’s multicultural society.
“Sarawak has its own customs, values, and ways of managing community affairs.
“We do not want Peninsular Malaysian ideology to be forced upon our people. What works in Kuala Lumpur or Johor Bahru cannot simply be transplanted into longhouses or rural schools in Ulu Baram or Ulu Kapit.
“Our way of life must be respected.
“As long as this kind of radical ideology is allowed to take root or worse, quietly encouraged by those in power the non-Muslims and moderate Malaysians will never feel truly at home in their own land,” he said.
He reminded that Malaysia was built on unity, not fear; on respect, not control.
“But every time extremism is given space to grow, we lose another piece of that Malaysia,” he stressed.
Peter reminded Anwar that good and talented Malaysians are migrating, not because they don’t love their country, but because their country no longer loves them back.
“Those who have built a better life abroad will see no reason to return to a homeland that refuses to protect its own diversity.
“If this continues, Malaysia will not lose its enemies but it will lose its best people,” he said, urging both the Ministry of Education and the Sarawak Education Department to issue clear and culturally sensitive guidelines to ensure that rural communities are not unfairly penalised by policies made without local context.
“We all support discipline and good values in schools, but the government must also support the people’s effort to maintain their schools.
“Without flexibility, this policy (of not allowing alcohol to be served within the school premises) will harm the very communities it is supposed to protect.
“Let Sarawak manage its own community-based approach that is the true spirit of federalism and respect,” he suggested.
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