Citing a message sent to all principals of schools in Penang, Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim said such a move was unnecessary as schools should be free to request what was needed.

“Don’t tell me the government is not confident with the school’s management in recognising the needs of their own schools?

“Are they saying that principals and headmasters have to be ‘controlled’ and are unable to think about the welfare of the schools they lead?” he asked in a statement.

Sim said despite a string of failures by the education ministry, from implementing online classes to giving laptops, the ministry appeared to be more interested in micromanaging.

“When it comes to education, I urge the minister to not try to be a political hero. In the end, our children become victims,” he said.

According to a screenshot of a WhatsApp message shared by Sim, all requests for donations must be made in writing by the Parent-Teacher Association and the donor would then have to get an approval letter from the state education department (JPN).

For donors who are elected reps, permission must come from the JPN director, the message read.

Sim said the message was obtained from a school principal in his constituency.

FMT has contacted the Penang education department for comment.