Old Paulians' Association denies prefects served alcohol at centenary dinner

KUALA LUMPUR: The Old Paulians' Association (OPA) has denied allegations that student prefects handled or served alcohol at its centenary reunion dinner in Seremban on Sept 5.

In a statement today, OPA president Steven Chan described the allegations circulating on social media as baseless and malicious, saying they were intended to damage the reputations of the association and St Paul's Institution (SPI).

He said the dinner was a private alumni function held at Regent Hall, Seremban, outside school premises and after school hours.

The event, attended by about 1,600 alumni and distinguished guests, commemorated the association's centenary and raised funds to upgrade school infrastructure, improve educational facilities and support student welfare at SPI.

Chan said the prefects participated voluntarily with written parental consent, and their duties were limited to ceremonial protocols, registration, promoting commemorative merchandise and welcoming guests.

"At no point were students directed, permitted or pressured to touch, pour, dispense or serve alcoholic beverages," he said, adding that the prohibition had been stated in written briefing notes and reiterated verbally.

He also rejected claims that objections raised during briefings had been ignored, describing them as fabrications.

Chan said neither teachers nor prefects had taken part in rehearsal sessions before the event.

He added that prefects helped distribute ordinary Chinese tea during toasts to the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan and the school.

"Any surface foam observed immediately upon pouring was merely natural aeration from tea, which dissipated within moments and cannot under any circumstances be construed as evidence of wine or alcoholic beverages," he said.

On Oct 22, Badrul Hisham Shaharin, better known as Chegubard, alleged that 25 student prefects from SPI had been instructed to serve alcoholic beverages during the Sept 5 reunion dinner.

In a Facebook post, he claimed Muslim and non-Muslim teachers had objected during rehearsals and briefing sessions, with complaints reportedly lodged through the Education Ministry's Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA). He alleged that the event proceeded despite the objections.

Chegubard also highlighted the presence of several DAP leaders at the dinner, including Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, a former SPI student, Kepayang assemblyman Nicole Tan Lee Koon and former Rahang assemblyman Mary Josephine Pritam Singh.

The Old Paulians' Association also criticised the circulation of photographs and selected video footage without context, saying these could mislead the public.