Keep international conflicts out of our schools, says group

A group of NGOs has objected to a notice from the Education Ministry calling for all schools to observe a week of solidarity to support the Palestinian cause amid the ongoing violence in Gaza.

The collective of NGOs said it was concerned by an administrative ruling that was not discussed in the Dewan Rakyat nor made with consulting parents.

In the circular sighted by Malaysiakini, a notice from the office of Education Ministry deputy permanent secretary Azman Ahmad has instructed for the solidarity week to be held from Oct 29 to Nov 3 and suggested six proposed activities to be carried out in all schools.

“We are looking at the seriousness of dragging school children into becoming part of the global, adult world of protest and not subject young minds to getting embroiled in this Middle East Crisis.

“We urge the Education Ministry and the government to keep international conflicts, religious disputes, and war cries out of schools and educational institutions,” said the group.

The statement was authored by 16 signatories including Global Human Rights Federation president S Sashi Kumar, lawyer Siti Kasim, Patriot founder Mohamed Arshad Raji, activist Arun Dorasamy, and a number of other individuals including 10 activists from East Malaysia.

The group cited a viral video believed to have been taken in a school in Malaysia in which young students were exhorted to stomp on an Israeli flag, saying that it served to sow hatred in young, impressionable minds.

“We fear the misalignment of sentiments, condemnation, hatred, and prejudice being championed by zealous teachers who are led to believe this is a religious war and that anti-Semitism is justified. We cannot poison our young children’s minds.

“The government also needs to consider Malaysian students who are studying abroad as their welfare and safety cannot be jeopardised as a result of the government’s stand on the war,” said the group.

Malaysiakini has contacted the office of the education minister for a response to the group’s concerns. - Mkini