JOHOR BARU, MALAYSIA - A father is upset his daughter received alcoholic beverages in a hamper presented in acknowledgement of her excellent showing in last year's Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination. Azmi Nordin, 50, said among the contents of the hamper, presented by a state assemblyman, were two cans of shandy and a beer mug.

"I was surprised and embarrassed when my daughter, Norhazatul Edora, saw the shandy and beer jug. That was not the gifts she expected," said the private tuition teacher yesterday.

"How can a person who holds an important position in the community be so disrespectful and reward the students with alcohol?"

Azmi said another top achiever also received a hamper containing liquor from the assemblyman.

Both girls were former students of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Selesa Jaya 2.

Skudai state assemblyman Dr Boo Cheng Hau has apologised over the incident, saying that he did not check the contents of the hampers.

"It was unintentional and I am deeply sorry to both students and parents who were offended by the contents."

Dr Boo said he had entrusted his assistants to buy the hampers and attend the function as he was not well.