KUALA LUMPUR – DAP has called on the Education Ministry (MoE) to take strict disciplinary action against those who organised a school programme in relation to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict and prevent any similar programmes from happening again.
In a statement early this morning, party secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the Pakatan Harapan component party was very upset with those behind the organisation of a programme in a primary school that displayed elements of violence and extremism with the use of replica weapons.
“DAP opposes any form of violence and opposes all forms of programmes that exhibit elements of armed violence in all schools involving students at a young age.
“Such programmes will only send out the wrong messages and lessons to our young generation,” he said.
Saying that this incident has caused public concern, Loke suggested that the MoE reconsider its directive for schools to organise the Palestine Solidarity Week programme and instead use a more appropriate approach to convey the message among school students.
“Programmes in schools should foster a spirit of love for universal peace and apply humane values in forming a personality that is in line with Madani principles.
“Cross-cultural relationships and understanding, as well as mutual respect among peers from different backgrounds, should also be fostered,” he said.
DAP, he added, reiterates its stance to continue to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people on humanitarian principles and always support the government’s stance to speak out on the world stage for the struggle to liberate Palestine and return their rightful rights and territory.
Earlier yesterday, a 55-second video clip showing a man dressed as a militant and armed with a replica rifle in a school programme went viral on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, causing concern among netizens.
The MoE said they were aware of public concern regarding the viral video and acknowledged that the programme in question did not follow the guidelines.
However, it said the school programme in question was held outside the Palestine Solidarity Week period.
On Thursday, MoE announced that all educational institutions under its purview will be holding Palestine Solidarity Week from October 29 to November 3, in response to the government’s stance of standing together to defend the rights and freedom of the Palestinian people.
It said the programme is to educate students about noble values that also include human rights, compassion, empathy, and concern for the suffering borne by others regardless of race, religion, or social status.
Following the release of the video, the MoE stated that it will not compromise on any elements of extremism and violence during the organisation of Palestine Solidarity Week at schools and all educational institutions under its purview, next week.
In a statement yesterday, MoE said the use of replica weapons, icons, and symbols containing provocative and confrontational elements is not permitted. – October 28, 2023