KUALA LUMPUR: A PKR leader today has called on the Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu to step down as the Sepang member of Parliament (MP) and as Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) Women chief.

The call comes following her presence at a fundraising event organised by a vernacular school, which involved sponsorship from an alcoholic beverage company.

PKR central leadership council (MPP) member Dr Maszlee Malik, who is also former education minister, said that Aiman Athirah's presence at such an event was embarrassing and tarnished the image of Amanah and the constituents of Sepang who elected her.

"Islam rahmah advocates by Amanah has never condoned the promotion of alcohol at school events.

"If she has any sense of honour and integrity, she should voluntarily resign from her position as an MP and step down as Amanah Women chief," said Maszlee in a post on Facebook.

He said that such a move by Aiman Athirah would serve as a lesson to other Amanah MPs to be more cautious, careful, and uphold the true principles of rahmah.

In his statement, Maszlee also expressed disappointment with DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng for criticising and belittling Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek regarding the promotion of an alcoholic beverage company at a school-related event.

Maszlee said that Fadhlina's actions were in line with cabinet decisions, the national philosophy of education and the existing Education Ministry's circulars, as well as the Madani spirit promoted by the government, which emphasises promoting a healthy lifestyle in education.

"Allowing the large-scale promotion of alcoholic beverages at school events opens a Pandora's box for other unhealthy industries to be promoted in the educational sphere, such as the tobacco industry, vaping industry, gambling, and nightclub entertainment.

"Lim should not view the issue of alcohol promotion at school events from a political, religious, or racial perspective. It is a matter of health, well-being, and civic responsibility," said Maszlee.

She had apologised if anyone was sensitive to a photo of her holding a mock cheque with the logo of an alcohol company at a donation event at a Chinese vernacular school.

The controversy stemmed from the attendance of Aiman Athirah at a recent fundraising event where she appeared onstage with others holding a mock cheque contribution from a beer company at an event at the school.

On July 19, a post on the Pusat Khidmat Rakyat Parlimen Sepang Facebook page said Aiman Athirah was aware of viral photos showing her, other contributors and a mock cheque for a RM3 million contribution from a beer company at an event at the school.

However, she was not informed about contributors for the construction of a hall for the school, which allegedly included a beer company.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/1082582/step-down-if-you-have-sense-honour-and-integrity-says-dr-maszlee-aiman