KUALA LUMPUR – Lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle have been told to refrain from “interfering” with the Education Ministry’s Palestine Solidarity Week programme as teachers are the only ones who know how to properly implement such events in their respective schools.
Addressing Dewan Rakyat today, a visibly distraught Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek (Nibong Tebal-PH) urged critics of the programme to give the ministry “space” to carry out its intentions in a way it deems fit.
Fadhlina, who was delivering her Budget 2024 winding-up speech in the lower house, was seen taking a few moments to compose herself before proceeding to address the matter following a round of supposedly encouraging applause from MPs.
“This is not a question of who is the most (supportive) of Palestine or who will submit to superficial urges to choose between two humanities.
“The point of this programme is to educate our children on humanitarian and peaceful values. Give the ministry space to carry out our responsibilities while prioritising the process of instilling our children with such values.
“Don’t disturb us, don’t disturb our schools, don’t disturb our teachers. Here or there (government or opposition), you’re all the same.”
While she acknowledges the criticism of the programme, Fadhlina said the “dynamic” ecosystem in schools should not be disrupted, and that teachers will be able to best identify how the programme can be delivered to their students.
“Don’t make noise, don’t feel troubled if there’s no takbir (Arabic phrase “Allahu Akbar”) or prayers part of the programme. There’s a reason why the programme is carried out in such an environment with allowed activities suitable with individual schools.
“What matters now is that we send out a message of education, humanity and universal security. Our education (system) must start with sending a strong message so that our children can be in an ecosystem where they are prepared with (information on) issues around them.”
After her winding-up speech, a few opposition MPs – Datuk Seri Radzi Jidin (Putrajaya-PN), Datuk Rosol Wahid (Hulu Terengganu-PN) and Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman (Sik-PN) – stood up to question the minister.
Their queries were not heard in the lower house as Fadlina immediately sat down after her speech and did not field questions, paving the way for Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Alice Lau (Lanau-PH) to call on Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa (Sekijang-PH) to present her winding-up speech.
Previously, Palestine Solidarity Week came under fire from both government and opposition lawmakers after photos of schoolchildren and teachers carrying toy guns made the rounds on social media prior to the programme’s launch on October 29.
Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming (Teluk Intan-PH) had said schools should be a place of humanitarian and peace-loving values instead of extremist understandings, urging for disciplinary action against those who have abused their power and responsibility.
Nga’s statement echoes those expressed by DAP secretary-general and Transport Minister Anthony Loke (Seremban-PH).
A group of 12 PKR lawmakers had also called on the Education Ministry to review its decision in organising the programme in schools and public learning institutions so that places of education are free from elements of vendetta and violence.
On the other hand, PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (Pasir Mas-PN) said the ministry should avoid taking action against teachers who allegedly carried toy weapons during pro-Palestine activities in schools.
PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (Alor Star-PN) also called on the ministry to clarify its “questionable” guideline for the programme, singling out one of the don’ts which states that schools should not provide a one-sided perspective on the Israel-Palestine war.
Last week, the Education Ministry 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. – November 2, 2023