KUALA LUMPUR – Twelve PKR lawmakers have called on the Education Ministry to review its decision in organising the Palestine Solidarity Week in schools and public learning institutions.
In a joint statement today, the group made up of PKR MPs and assemblymen said the decision should be reviewed so that schools and public institutions are free from elements of vendetta and violence.
“We understand that MoE aims to educate students about human values, human rights and concern for suffering, but it is difficult for the ministry to monitor the Palestine Solidarity programme in achieving its goals without spreading resentment and violence.
“At the same time, we also request the MoE to take strict action against any party that fails to comply with its guidelines and provokes violence using toy weapons in schools.”
The group opined that the act of bringing the issue of an international conflict to schools is inappropriate and should be reviewed.
“Our government and people need to maintain a rational mind while supporting the Palestinian struggle and never raise the issue of grudges and violence in public institutions,” he said.
The statement was issued 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, Semanbu 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.
DAP has called on the MoE to take strict disciplinary action against those who organised a school programme in relation to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict and prevent any similar programmes from happening again.
In a statement early this morning, party chief Anthony Loke said the Pakatan Harapan component party was very upset with those behind the organisation of a programme in a primary school that displayed elements of violence and extremism with the use of replica weapons.
On Thursday, the MoE announced that all educational institutions under its purview will be holding Palestine Solidarity Week from October 29 to November 3, in response to the government’s stance of standing together to defend the rights and freedom of the Palestinian people.
It said the programme is to educate students about noble values that also include human rights, compassion, empathy and concern for the suffering borne by others regardless of race, religion or social status.
In a statement yesterday, the ministry said the use of replica weapons, icons and symbols containing provocative and confrontational elements is not permitted. – October 28, 2023