KUCHING, Oct 27: The Ministry of Education (MoE) has pledged to re-evaluate the Palestine Solidarity Week programme, including its activities and content, with necessary adjustments.
Besides this assurance, Mas Gading MP Mordi Bimol said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and her deputy Lim Hui Ying have also responded positively to the request for Sarawak’s exemption from implementing the programme.
While thanking MoE for their responsiveness, Mordi has also joined the chorus of voices protesting against the Ministry’s recent circular, calling for all education institutions under its jurisdiction to participate in the Palestine Solidarity Week, which has drawn significant attention and triggered negative reactions from those who strongly uphold unity values while opposing any actions that could undermine it.
He emphasised that the involvement of education institutions in the Israel-Palestine conflict deviates from the vision of Malaysia Madani, which emphasises prosperity and societal unity.
“Even though this programme aims to promote peace and humanity without any element of violence or extremism, some argue that MoE’s approach is not aligned with the principles of Malaysia Madani, which emphasise prosperity and unity in our society.
“Why should we involve the students and teachers? Why disrupt the emotions and thoughts of our young generation, who may not necessarily comprehend the actual situation experienced by the two countries?
“What is even more concerning is the message depicting an environment filled with violence and cruelty. All these could incite feelings of anger and resentment. These types of negativity could impact the emotional and psychological well-being of the students and potentially disrupt their learning process,” he posed in a statement today.
Mordi stressed that the Ministry should prioritise cultivating humanitarian values, global harmony, love, respect, and passion for peace.
“I need to highlight that I strongly oppose any form of war conflict. In every war, no side truly wins; the real victims are the people.
“I call upon all of us to work hand-in-hand to find a more holistic solution, to help all those affected by this kind of conflict, and never to lose hope in spreading messages of peace and unity and opposing oppression. We should strive to make this world a better place for our future generations,” he added.
Meanwhile, Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen disclosed yesterday (Oct 26) that the Palestine Solidarity Week programme, planned from Oct 29 to Nov 3, is not compulsory for schools in Sarawak. — DayakDaily
