Kota Kinabalu: There are more calls across the board for the Ministry of Education to review its directive to schools nationwide to hold a “Palestine Solidarity Week”.
It was reported that Sarawak would disregard the directive while a Sabah Minister earlier said that schools in the State will not be obligated to heed the directive to hold activities to support the Palestinian cause from Oct. 29 to Nov. 9.
Among those urging Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek to review the decision came from within Pakatan Harapan component legislators.
Three MPs and nine assemblymen have expressed concern and emphasised the need to ensure that schools and public institutions remain free from elements of hatred and violence.
“We understand the MoE’s desire to instil important values and principles in our students but we believe it is difficult for the MoE to effectively monitor the Palestine Solidarity programme to ensure that it achieves its objectives without inadvertently promoting sentiments of resentment and violence.
“We also call upon the MoE to take stern action against anyone found in violation of MoE guidelines, particularly those who provoke violence through the use of toy weapons in educational institutions,” they said in a joint statement.
Their response comes in the wake of widely shared images online showing young children and teachers carrying replica firearms and donning attire in the red, black, white and green colours associated with Palestine, which is under siege amid escalating conflict with Israel in the Middle East.
Earlier, DAP Sec-Gen Anthony Loke also urged the Ministry to reconsider its directive.
Minister Fadhlina took to her Facebook page to speak on the issue after the public backlash.
She said the activities in the viral video took place after school hours and that her ministry still encourages participation in the programme.
She said participation is voluntary and her ministry will not compromise with any show of violence or symbols of provocation.
“DAP is very upset that the programme was organised in a primary school with elements of violence and extremism and the use of replica weapons.
“Such programs will only give wrong messages and lessons to our young generation,” he said.
“Programmes at school should foster the spirit of love and peace for all and the right values in line with Madani principles. Cross-cultural understanding as well as mutual respect among peers from different backgrounds should also be fostered,” he added.
The Higher Education Ministry will leave it to the management of institutions of higher learning (IPTs) if they want to show solidarity with Palestine.
Minister Khaled Nordin said the ministry has not issued any directive to them, such as organising the Palestine Solidarity Week in schools by the Education Ministry.
Bernama quoted him as saying that each IPT had its own regulations, guidelines and freedom to arrange such events.
Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE) Chairman Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said there were concerns over the appropriateness of such programmes in schools.
She said the photos and videos of children carrying guns were an example of what could go wrong with such events.
“Students are being used. Such programmes should be stopped immediately,” Noor Azimah told FMT.
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