Rafizi chides Fadhlina over school kids' birthday wishes to PM

Former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli has criticised Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek for leading schoolchildren to chant birthday wishes for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during a school event.

In a social media post today, Rafizi stressed that schools should be treated as neutral spaces dedicated to imparting knowledge, nurturing values and building good character, rather than platforms for political expression.

“Schools are very important for us - they are not just for giving knowledge but for cultivating culture and attitudes.

“If she loves PMX and wants to prove her loyalty, that is fine, but it should be done personally without involving students,” the former economy minister said.

The incident came to light through a video circulating on social media, showing Fadhlina encouraging students to say “Happy Birthday PMX, We Love You” for the prime minister, who turns 78 on Aug 10.

Losing moral high ground

Rafizi warned that such gestures risk setting a damaging precedent for future education ministers, who may similarly ask students to demonstrate loyalty and affection towards political leaders of the day.

“When she does this, in the future it would be difficult to object if other ministers do the same,” he said.

Citing his own approach during his tenure as Pandan MP, Rafizi said he had been extremely cautious about mixing politics with education.

“I helped schools in my constituency whenever possible, but I only entered school grounds once, and that was because the headmaster insisted. I wanted to avoid politicising the school environment and our children.”

Rafizi acknowledged that his criticism was particularly uncomfortable because it involved a fellow PKR member.

“I know if others did this, I would be angry. Now that it is the education minister from PKR who has done it, I feel embarrassed,” he said.

“After this, PKR members can no longer criticise others if politicians bring political messages into schools.”

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