KUALA LUMPUR – PAS has expressed disdain over the choice of words used by 12 PKR lawmakers who called on the Education Ministry to review its Palestine Solidarity Week programme.
PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the terms used by the lawmakers, such as “vendetta” or “violence,” when raising their concerns, could potentially downplay the seriousness of the Palestinian situation.
He also pointed out that the use of such language could lead to misunderstandings and might inadvertently align with the narrative of “dakyah” and Western media biases.
Additionally, he noted that the group of lawmakers raising concerns is not composed of Muslims.
“We acknowledge that the programme conducted during Palestine Solidarity Week in schools might be excessive, but we believe this issue can be addressed without necessitating the cancellation or complete reconsideration of the entire solidarity week.
“We also urge the PKR lawmakers to handle this matter with care and avoid misrepresenting the Palestinian plight, which could unintentionally undermine the Education Ministry’s efforts to educate students about the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel,” he said.
Takiyuddin also called on the ministry to provide clear and detailed guidelines for Palestine Solidarity Week. He emphasised that PAS fully supports the ministry’s commitment to standing in solidarity with those who face persecution and the denial of legal rights, be it in Palestine, Myanmar or any other region.
“As an Islamic party, PAS will continue to uphold the core principles of Islam without compromise.”
Yesterday, 12 PKR lawmakers, including Gopeng MP Tan Kar Hing and Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung, raised their concerns about Palestine Solidarity Week, particularly in light of viral clips and photos showing school students with toy guns and teachers dressed as armed freedom fighters.
The lawmakers also called on the Education Ministry to take strict action against any parties that fail to adhere to the guidelines and incite violence through the use of toy weapons in schools. – October 29, 2023