PETALING JAYA: A group of PKR MPs and state assemblymen has joined the chorus asking the Education Ministry to review its directive for schools and public education institutions to organise Palestine Solidarity Week.
The elected representatives argue that schools and education institutions should be free of elements of vengeance and violence.
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“We were made to understand that the ministry intends to educate students in values of humanity, human rights and compassion towards the suffering (of the Palestinians), but it is difficult for the ministry to monitor the Palestine Solidarity Week programme to ensure it reaches its goal without spreading vengeance and violence.
“At the same time, we urge the ministry to take stringent action against any party that fails to adhere to the ministry’s guidelines and promotes aggression through the use of replica weapons in schools,” they said in a joint statement yesterday.
They added that it was inappropriate to “bring an international conflict into schools”, and as such, the programme must be reviewed.
The people and the government, they said, should remain rational while supporting the Palestinian struggle, and at the same time they should not evoke the element of vengeance in public institutions.
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On Thursday, the ministry announced that all educational institutions under its purview – including schools, vocational and matriculation colleges, and teacher training institutes – would be holding Palestine Solidarity Week starting today until Nov 3.
On Friday, the ministry in another statement said it does not endorse any demonstration of support for Palestine that borders on the extreme, such as the waving of replica firearms or hoisting of banners inciting violence, as it responded to a widely circulated video depicting the goings-on in a school that had elements of radicalism.
“This programme is also outside the designated hours for Palestine Solidarity Week and is not in accordance with the guidelines stipulated by the ministry,” it said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Friday that Putrajaya would closely monitor all activities during Palestine Solidarity Week in schools to ensure that these activities do not “go overboard”, and that such things “need to be controlled”.
The PKR statement was signed by Gopeng MP Tan Kar Hing, Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung, Miri MP Chiew Choon Man, Kebun Bunga assemblyman Lee Boon Heng, Rawang assemblyman Chua Wei Kiat, Semambu assemblyman Chan Chun Kuang, Simpang Pulai assemblyman Wong Chai Yi, Chuah assemblyman Yew Boon Lye, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, Kajang assemblyman David Cheong Kian Yong, Bukit Batu assemblyman Arthur Chiong Sen Sern and Bakar Arang assemblyman Adam Loh Wei Chai.
Meanwhile, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said the party was disappointed over the display of violent elements with the use of the replica weapons.
“DAP opposes any form of violence and opposes all programmes that exhibit elements of armed violence in all schools involving students at a young age, as such programmes will only give wrong messages and lessons to our young generation,” he said yesterday.
He added that since this incident has caused much public concern, the Education Ministry should reconsider the Palestine Solidarity Week programme in schools and use a more appropriate approach to convey the message to students.
“Programmes at schools should foster the spirit of love for universal peace and apply humane values in forming a personality that is in line with Madani principles,” said Loke.
