KUCHING, Oct 26: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Women chief Kho Teck Wan has called on Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim to separate schools from politics of war in foreign countries.
In a statement issued today, Kho opined that the unity government should not create a precedent as it is not appropriate for primary and secondary school students to get involved in street politics.
“I am shocked and concerned to learn that all schools under the Ministry of Education Malaysia are instructed to organise ‘Solidarity with Palestine Week’ in schools on the week of Oct 29 to Nov 3.
“I am of the opinion that one has the freedom to express sympathy and show support toward a certain country or race, especially when it involves human rights.
“However, schools, especially primary and secondary schools should not get involved in matters related to war involving other countries,” she said.
Kho, who is also a political secretary to the Premier of Sarawak, asserted that while students have the right to form their own opinions, the Education Ministry should not involve schoolchildren in international conflicts.
“Sarawak Bumi Kenyalang is made up of people from multiracial and multireligious backgrounds.
“Involving school children with international conflicts can potentially create unnecessary frictions among multiracial and multireligious communities,” she added.
On Oct 21, the Education Ministry issued a circular instructing schools to organise various activities. These activities include setting up a donation fund, conducting video and song presentations that address humanitarian issues in Palestine, and arranging ‘solat hajat’ for Muslim students.
In addition, they were instructed to organise special extracurricular activities, such as song, poem, and poster competitions, that address humanitarian issues in Palestine. — DayakDaily
