KUALA LUMPUR — Former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has criticised Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek for asking schoolchildren to send birthday messages and express their affection for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last week.
Rafizi argued that the minister was mixing personal political views with the education of children.
In a video posted on his Instagram, Rafizi stressed the crucial role schools play in providing knowledge and shaping culture and values.
“When Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek becomes a cheerleader by asking students to wish ‘Happy Birthday PMX We Love You,’ then I have to reprimand her,” said the Pandan MP.
The video, showing Fadhlina’s actions at a school event, quickly went viral, sparking criticism from opposition parties.
Rafizi warned that Fadhlina’s behaviour could set a troubling precedent, suggesting that future education ministers might feel free to ask students to show loyalty to political figures.
“I know how angry I would be if others did it. But now that an education minister from PKR does it, I feel embarrassed. After this, no one from PKR can criticise should a politician bring political messaging into schools,” he added.
Rafizi also recounted his personal commitment to keeping politics separate from education, sharing that while schools in his constituency had always received assistance, he had only personally visited on of them based on a repeated request from the headmaster.
“I do not want to mix politics with schools and our children,” he said. – August 12, 2025