M. Krishnamoorthy
A media coach, associate professor and an author
Pakatan Harapan Government and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek have taken the biggest beating since its victory in November last year. Malaysians are furious over the introduction of violence among students. Was it sabotaged by opposition-minded top civil servants'effort to destabilise PMX Anwar Ibrahim’s Government?
PH’s and Anwar’s popularity has declined, with parents concerned about the show of solidarity ending up promoting extremism after images of schoolchildren carrying toy guns went viral. Let’s find out if there was a hidden agenda and hidden hands by little pro-PAS/PN Napoleons who masterminded sabotage of the PMX Government. Two of my news investigative stories will throw some light on questions: what could have gone wrong?
The Education Ministry said it would investigate the incident, while DAP called for strict action against any displays that encourage violence.
Meanwhile, Anwar has assured that schools will not be forced to participate in the programme. In the midst, 12 PKR MPs also called for the government to review the programme, citing concerns that it would promote hate.
In the first place, whose initiative was to organise the programme in our local schools? Fingers are now pointed towards the Education (school operation sector) deputy director-general Azman Adnan, who drafted the letter dated Oct 21.
In a letter published in Focus Malaysia, Jackson Yong raised several questions on the plight of Palestinians, saying that the good intention was exploited to the fullest by certain parties.
“But unless the higher-ups establish who initiated the Solidarity Week programme, this will repeat itself under different circumstances. Lessons must be learnt from last Friday’s incidents in certain schools, which have a potential embarrassment to the Madani government. However, it is interesting to note that an event of such magnitude – one that involves schools nationwide – was not undertaken and implemented with care by the Education director-general Datuk Pkharuddin Ghazali himself.
“Assuming that either of them first mooted the idea, did the Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek herself approve of the event? Why did Fadhlina appear so naïve that she did not foresee this as a potential flashpoint that could be abused? Was this even discussed with the deputy education minister Lim Hui Ying? What was Lim’s reaction?” Jackson wrote in his letter.
He noted if PMX Anwar Ibrahim “made a wrong decision involving school children, Fadhlina as a minister is expected to advise Anwar, knowing very well that the programme would create a lot of sparks.
“Had the idea come from Anwar himself, he did not envisage how things turned out when overzealous school teachers and principals went to the extent of allowing children to take on toy weapons. Anyone with an analytical mind should ask why several schools planned the event before the official date (Oct 29) announced by the ministry. Who is behind it? Why were photographs and video clips intentionally virally out?
“Similar to the dress code controversy, the investigation must investigate whether hidden hands were behind the incidents. Even though the Education Ministry assured that its officials would control the schools, will it be foolproof? Fadhlina has to weigh her decision carefully,” Yong concluded.
Anwar has to set up a high-level committee headed by the Chief Secretary to the Government to investigate any foul play in the execution of Palestinian Solidarity Week, and the questions are:
- Is there any hidden agenda or hidden hand in the implementation of the programme?
- Why was it hastily executed?
- Was it aimed to embarrass the current administration?
- How come the letter was drafted as early as 21st October 2023?
- Did the Education Minister brief adequately before the Deputy Director General signed the letter?
- Why are fingers being pointed at Deputy DG Azman Adnan?
- Any opposition leanings of the top officials?
- Was Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying fully briefed with the Education Minister and other top officials?
- Lessons must be learnt from last Friday’s (27th October 2023) school incidents.
- Get to the bottom so as not to cause potential embarrassment to the Madani government.
To avoid any further sabotage, Anwar has to stand firm if his PH Government wants to continue to the next term following GE16.
In another article in Focus Malaysia, it was reported Netizen @AmAhmd24 said his sibling came back this week to spend the night, but as soon as the latter arrived, there were complaints about a teacher at the school who was spreading hatred towards Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his or her class.
“My younger sibling stayed overnight at home this week. When they returned from the hostel, they immediately complained that their school teacher was spreading hatred towards Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.”
This started a riot on the X platform, with pro-Pakatan Harapan (PH) and, of course, those who are against the current government sharing their views. The original post garnered almost 400,000 views when writing, showing how important the issue was to internet users. Nevertheless, the user added that among the things that the teacher says in class to the students is, “Today become the government, tomorrow the oil price will go down. “That’s not it, (the teacher) blames Anwar for the ‘Takbir’ chanting issue.”
Freelance Writer M. Krishnamoorthy (www.imkrishna.net) is a media coach, associate professor and undercover journalist. He has freelanced with Bernama, NST, The Star, and Malaysiakini. He also freelances as a fixer/coordinator for CNN, BBC, German and Australian Television networks and the New York Times. As an undercover journalist, he has highlighted society's concerns going undercover as a beggar, security guard, blind man, disabled salesman and Member of Parliament.
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