Don't succumb to pressure, continue Palestine Solidarity Week - Puad

An Umno top leader is in support of the Education Ministry’s Palestine Solidarity Week programme despite it facing backlash, particularly from Pakatan Harapan representatives.

Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi opined that the ministry should not stop the programme over one controversial incident of students bringing replica weapons to school.

“Certain quarters and individuals are taking advantage of one bad apple to urge the Education Ministry to drop Palestinian Solidarity Week.

“The ministry should not succumb to that kind of pressure,” the former deputy education minister posted on Facebook.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the use of replica weapons was not part of the established guidelines of the programme, which will run from today (Oct 29) to Nov 3.

A video went viral on social media last week depicting a school programme of Malaysian schoolchildren carrying toy guns while donning headbands and the black and white “Palestinian scarf” voicing support for Palestine.

However, the ministry confirmed the event in the video was held outside the designated period of Palestine Solidarity Week and did not follow the guidelines set by the ministry.

The ministry is currently investigating the incident and will take further action on the issue after receiving a detailed report, Fadhlina added.

Violence and extremism

Several political parties have since criticised the programme and the use of replica weapons, citing violence and extremism.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke urged the Education Ministry to take strict disciplinary action against the organisers and to reconsider the organisation of the Palestine Solidarity Week programme in schools.

Twelve PKR representatives also issued a statement yesterday, urging the ministry to review its decision to organise Palestine Solidarity Week.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged school administrators to control activities organised as part of a ‘solidarity week’ in support of the Palestinian cause.

He said the government encourages schools to organise a Palestinian solidarity week, but it is not compulsory and activities held must also be controlled.

Meanwhile, SUPP secretary-general Sebastian Ting called for the ministry to rescind the programme, on the basis that many parents in Sarawak have objected to the move of involving politics in education.

The Malaysian Insight reported that Sarawak mission schools, run by Anglican and Catholic churches, have opted out of the ministry’s programme.

Sarawak Anglican Mission Schools president Danald Jute said it was “not necessary” to hold the event as it was not compulsory.

There are 127 mission schools in Sarawak.

Education Ministry investigates use of replica weapons

Khaled: No plans to expand Palestinian Solidarity Week to universities

12 PKR reps echo call for review of Palestinian solidarity programme

DAP: Act on violent displays, review Palestine solidarity campaign

COMMENT | Solidarity week has backfired - time to end it

Toy guns in school: PM urges 'control' on Palestine solidarity week