UNDER fire Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek became emotional as she defended the implementation of the Palestine Solidarity Week in schools nationwide.
Fighting to contain her tears, she maintained that the event was meant to foster values of humanity and peace.
“Give us space to carry out our responsibilities and focus on the education of humanity. Stop disturbing us. Don’t interfere with our schools or teachers,” she said during her winding up speech.
Fadhlina, who was heavily criticised by various quarters for implementing the Palestine Solidarity Week, appealed to all to give the ministry “space for this education process.”
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“Please understand that this as an important message to educate on humanitarian values,” she pointed out.
Fadhlina said young students needed guidance to inculcate kindness and for them to be more righteous, adding that the ministry was only trying to foster these values.
“This is not about who is being Palestinian and it is not about being shallow and submitting to pressure.
“The Education Ministry is heeding the call of the Prime Minister and the government’s stand to defend the rights and freedom of Palestinians,” she explained.
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Fadhlina said she had listened to all views and criticisms, including one from a Christian group that advised for the Palestine Solidarity Week to hold prayers according to the students’ respective religions.
“There were schools that carried out that suggestion,” she pointed out.
Fadhlina said no one should underestimate students, whom she described as also being global citizens.
“That is why education starts with a strong message so that they can be in an ecosystem which prepares them to tackle issues surrounding them,” added the minister.
On her part, Fadhlina said she was pleased with what she said was the Palestine Solidarity Week programme’s smooth implementation, adding that she visited a school yesterday and will drop by a Chinese school in Seremban today.
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A visit to another school in Putrajaya is planned on Saturday, she added.
“The schools accepted suggestions from all levels.
“I’m confident that despite the views on the issue, the main message about humanity and unity will be the focal point of all parties,” she said.
At a press conference at Parliament lobby later, Bagan Serai MP Datuk Idris Ahmad expressed disappointment at Fadhlina’s explanation.
The PAS vice-president said he expected a clearer explanation on the guidelines for the Palestine Solidarity Week.
Last Thursday, the ministry announced that all educational institutions under its purview including schools, vocational and matriculation colleges and teacher training institutes, would hold a Palestine Solidarity Week aimed at educating children on human rights, harmony and universal values.
The announcement triggered debate and raised concerns, especially after a video clip depicting a man dressed as a militant and wielding a replica rifle during a school programme went viral.
On Oct 31, Fadhlina issued guidelines for the Palestine Solidarity Week, which included refraining from extremist rhetoric, avoiding blaming groups or religions and avoiding activities that may incite confrontation.
The Palestine Solidarity Week, which started on Oct 29, is scheduled to end today.
