Lawmakers oppose 'Palestinian solidarity week' in schools

Several lawmakers have raised objections to Putrajaya's decision for all public schools to observe a "solidarity week" in support of the Palestinian cause.

Ba' Kelalan assemblyperson Baru Bian in a statement said while he sympathises with the victims of the armed conflicts, the Education Ministry's directive involved making students take sides over a complex geopolitical matter.

"It is essential that we empathise with their suffering and promote a message of peace.

"However, taking sides in these conflicts and involving our young children in such politically complicated matters is not conducive to their well-being and education.

"Schools should remain neutral spaces for learning, growth, and understanding," Baru (above) said.

The Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) secretary-general pointed out that this neutrality was important because political parties in Malaysia routinely use religious and racial issues to drum up support.

"Moreover, we must consider the precedent set by such actions. If we involve schools in one international conflict, what would stop us from doing the same in the case of other wars, like the Ukraine conflict or any future crisis?

"It is crucial to maintain the integrity of our educational institutions and keep them free from the entanglement of global political disputes," he added.

In view of this, Baru urged Putrajaya to reconsider the decision to ensure that schools remain unbiased and children are nurtured to be responsible, compassionate, and well-informed global citizens.

Malaysiakini yesterday reported that the Education Ministry, through a notice from the office of Education deputy permanent secretary Azman Ahmad, instructed for the solidarity week to be held from Oct 29 to Nov 3, with six proposed activities for all schools.

The circular prompted objections from NGOs who urged the government to keep international conflicts, religious disputes, and war cries out of schools and educational institutions.

‘Not the way of progress’

In the Dewan Rakyat, Puncak Borneo MP Willie Mongin questioned the need for the solidarity movement to be held in schools, where the primary focus of students should be on their education.

"I personally feel there is no problem for us to show solidarity against violence and war crimes.

"But what is the need for us to bring the matter to schools and involve children who should be focusing on their own future?

"I also don't support Israel's or Hamas' use of violence, because I uphold universal peace. And I believe all the MPs here want peace," said Willie who stood up to interject Beruas MP Ngeh Koo Ham's debate of the Supply Bill 2024.

Willie said the Education Ministry's decision was not a sign of good governance, and could potentially "destroy" progress in nation-building efforts.

"Yes, our government walks the talk. They talk so much, they walk here and there, but nothing happens.

"We keep moving backwards. This is not the way," he stressed.

Ngeh, in response, agreed with Willie and noted how the developing situation in Gaza is one that many adults had difficulty understanding.

"If we as adults find this situation difficult to resolve, for me, I don't think we need to bring it into schools where the children will not understand.

"And I'm afraid if there are parties sowing seeds of hate in the hearts of our children," he said.

Separately, Deputy Women, Families and Community Development Minister Aiman Athirah Sabu said the Palestinian issue should not be seen through a religious lens, but instead as a humanitarian cause and the Palestinian struggle for freedom as a sovereign state.

"It would be better for children to be given exposure and accurate information on what is the real issue in Palestine," she told Malaysiakini in Parliament today.

At the same time, the Amanah Women chief said she believes the Education Ministry will take into account measures to prevent children from being exposed to excessive violence as part of the planned activities.

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