Political programmes in school dangerous, say analysts

 

Umno Youth said political education programmes were important to prepare those who would be eligible to vote in the next general election.

PETALING JAYA: Two analysts said it is dangerous to allow political parties to organise political education programmes in schools and universities and that the current political climate in the country is “already toxic enough”.

If such programmes were allowed in schools, it would inevitably involve school heads and teachers, who were known to be politically active, and this would result in the situation becoming even more volatile, they said.

Awang Azman Pawi of Universiti Malaya said political parties could end up using teachers to influence the students to support them.

“Such programmes require mature politicians and teachers who will stay away from indoctrinating the students,” he told FMT.

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Awang Azman said it would be better to educate children on democratic principles and integrity instead of allowing politicians to run programmes in schools.

Earlier this week, Umno Youth chief Akmal Saleh said the wing was thinking of organising a programme for secondary school and university students to boost their political awareness.

He said such programmes were important to prepare those who would be eligible to vote in the next general election. Last year, 18-year-olds were automatically registered as voters under the Undi18 law.

Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara voiced a similar concern, saying parties could easily misuse politically-inclined teachers.

He also said the proposal by Umno Youth was based on a “misplaced judgement”.

“Politics is something that you cannot teach at such an age. Maturity in politics can only be achieved after going through college life and being in a working environment and real-life situation.”

The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) said it was inappropriate for students at all levels to be exposed to politics directly in the manner suggested.

Its secretary-general Fouzi Singon said Form Six students were currently taught about democracy, elections and the importance of selecting the right leaders.

The thrust of this subject was about elections, and not politics, Fouzi said.

“They are also exposed to democratic practices by way of election of student leaders. It is not healthy to bring in politicians directly into schools to have such programmes.”

On Thursday, Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said while he agreed with the idea of having political education programmes in secondary schools and universities, political parties should not get involved, citing the indoctrination against the opposition by the former National Civics Bureau.

The former youth and sports minister said if political education was viewed through a political lens, “we are doomed”. - FMT