KUCHING, Oct 27: “Palestine Solidarity Week” stems from the Federal government, Sarawak will not involve in it, says Deputy Minister of Utility and Communication Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.
While schools in Sarawak remain uninvolved, Abdul Rahman Junaidi called on relevant authorities in the Federal government to address concerns with the Ministry of Education (MoE) regarding nationwide programmes in support of the proposed ‘Palestine Solidarity Week’, scheduled to be held from Oct 29 to Nov 3.
He stressed that differing opinions exist on how educational institutions can participate in this initiative.
“As for us in Sarawak, we are mature and take everything very positively. We don’t want to stir anything to do with the issue. We leave it to the authorities to handle it, and we don’t want Sarawak to be involved in it. Furthermore, the issue stems from the Federal side, and it does not involve us,” he told reporters after a prayer congregation by the Muslim community in Sarawak for the Palestine people at Masjid Jamek, organised by Majlis Islam Sarawak yesterday evening.
Dr Abdul Rahman was asked by a reporter to comment on instructions written by the MoE, requesting all education institutions under the ministry to implement and observe solidarity week in support of the Palestine cause.
He also noted that Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen has received a letter from MoE Deputy Minister Lim Hui Ying today, stating that schools in Sarawak would not be involved.
During the congregation at Masjid Jamek, hundreds of Muslims performed prayers for the well-being of the Palestinian people.
The congregation was led by the State Grand Imam of Sarawak, Datuk Mustapha Kamal Ahmad Fauzi.
Sarawak Islamic Council President Datuk Misnu Taha and Sarawak State Mosque Welfare Trust Board (LAKMNS) chief executive officer Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai were among those who joined the congregation. — DayakDaily
