Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar said the education ministry is reviewing its regulations on the matter.

“There is a slight complication for private schools since they are not government-owned… so we need to look into the extent of the government’s jurisdiction in such cases.

“However, when it comes to government-owned schools, I do not think we should violate these principles.”

He was responding to a question from Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN–Pasir Mas) about alcoholic drinks that were allegedly served at a recent reunion dinner organised by the alumni of a school in Ipoh.

The PAS lawmaker said that although students were not involved, the event organisers allowed alcohol to be brought into the school’s premises, which he said violated education ministry guidelines.

Fadhli also called on the government to take a “firm stand” on the matter and ensure that immediate action is taken against any party that brings alcohol into schools.

Separately, Anwar said deputy public prosecutors can consider reducing the charges brought against two teachers in Penang who allegedly caned a student two years ago if they consider it as a “light” offence.

Anwar was responding to a supplementary question posed by RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) on whether the DPP would consider dropping the charges against the teachers in question.