THE letter from the Education Ministry (MoE) regarding the implementation of Palestine Solidarity Week, which has recently gained attention, has sparked negative reactions from those who strongly uphold the values of unity and firmly oppose any actions that could undermine unity. Involving our education institutions with the Israel-Palestine conflict is not in line with the vision of Malaysia Madani.
The letter which was issued by the MoE on October 21 clearly instructs all heads of division and directors of state education to take steps and to ensure the implementation of the directive by the responsible officers under the department of the MoE, state education department and regional education department.
This programme which aims to demonstrate the MoE’s support and solidarity with Palestine also involves all education institutions under the ministry such as schools, vocational colleges, matriculation colleges and teacher education institutes nationwide.
Even though this programme aims to promote peace and humanity without any element of violence or extremism, some argue that the MoE’s approach is not aligned with the principles of a Malaysia Madani, which emphasise prosperity and unity in our society.
Why should we involve the students and teachers? Why do we need to disrupt the emotions and thoughts of our young generation who may not necessarily comprehend the actual situation experienced by the two countries?
What is more alarming is the message depicting an environment rife with violence and cruelty. All these could incite feelings of anger and resentment. These types of negativity could have an impact on the emotional and psychological well-being of the students and could potentially disrupt their learning process.
Many have expressed their concerns, especially parents, with regard to this matter. It is my responsibility as a representative of the society to voice their concerns to the government.
Protests against the MoE’s actions have also been raised by 17 non-governmental organisations from Sabah and Sarawak.
Moreover, the MoE’s directive has garnered the attention of the Kuching Diocese’s Bishop Datuk Danald Jute, who serves as chairman of the Evangelical Schools, who issued a memo condemning the action.
The MoE should give its attention and emphasis to the cultivation of humanitarian values, global harmony, love, respect and passion for peace.
Last Wednesday, I, along with Sibu MP Oscar Ling, had raised this issue openly to both the minister and deputy minister for education during a briefing on Budget 2024 by the MoE.
We also requested that schools in Sarawak be exempted from the implementation of this programme.
I was glad to receive a positive response from the minister. The minister has given me the assurance that the MoE would re-evaluate the activities and contents throughout the programme and make amendments as necessary and accordingly.
For this, I would like to thank the minister.
Promote unity, abstain from division.
Promote harmony, abstain from war.
Promote respect, abstain from conflict.
Promote compassion, abstain from hatred.
Promote tolerance, abstain from selfishness.
Promote sustainability, abstain from destruction.
With this, I need to highlight that I strongly oppose any form of war conflict.
In every war, no side truly wins, and the real victims are the people. I call upon all of us to work hand in hand to find a more holistic solution, to help all those affected by this kind of conflict, and to never lose hope in spreading messages of peace and unity, and opposing any form of oppression.
We should strive to make this world a better place for our future generations. – October 27, 2023
Mordi Bimol is Mas Gading MP