KUALA LUMPUR – Umno Youth has defended the Education Ministry’s Palestine Solidarity Week in schools, saying that it would educate pupils on the “full picture” of the Israel-Palestine war.
Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh said the programme, which began today, should not be cancelled.
As for the 12 PKR lawmakers who had issued a joint statement expressing their concerns about the programme, Akmal said they ought to be sent on a humanitarian mission to Gaza to “get a clear picture of what is currently going on there if they still can’t grasp what is happening,” he said in a statement on Facebook.
“It is crucial for Malaysia’s new generation to have complete literacy of how the Palestinian people are oppressed and violated, as well as the cause behind this war waged on them and how to help the Palestinians.
“It is to instil awareness and the spirit of solidarity within students; and not to teach them violence or vendetta, as said by the 12 PKR lawmakers previously.
“Therefore, the ministry should continue with this programme,” said Akmal.
On October 28, the 12 PKR lawmakers who were MPs and assemblymen said schools and public institutions should be free from elements of vendetta and violence.
They issued their statement after photos and videos went viral on social media showing a pro-Palestine activity in a school with pupils holding toy guns, and teachers dressed like militants also holding toy guns.
The lawmakers, including Gopeng MP Tan Kar Hing and Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung, urged the Education Ministry to review its decision to hold the Palestine Solidarity Week at educational institutions under its purview, including schools.
After being criticised by PAS leaders, the same PKR lawmakers today issued another statement to say that their concerns had been misinterpreted.
They reiterated their full support for Malaysia’s stand against Israel and in support of Palestinians, and clarified that they were only concerned about “extremist” elements should any arise in carrying out such a programme in schools. – October 30, 2023