12 PKR reps echo call for review of Palestinian solidarity programme

 

A group of three PKR MPs and nine state assemblypersons has urged the Education Ministry to review the decision to organise Palestine Solidarity Week in schools and public educational institutions.

In a joint statement today, the group, all of whom are of Chinese ethnicity, said the decision should be reviewed so that schools and public institutions are free from elements of hatred and violence.

"We understand that the Education Ministry aims to educate students about human values, human rights and concern for suffering, but it is difficult for the ministry to monitor the Palestine Solidarity programme to achieve its goals without spreading resentment and violence.

"At the same time, we also request the ministry take strict action against any party that fails to comply with the guidelines and provokes violence with toy weapons in schools," said the group, which includes Gopeng MP Tan Kar Hing, Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung and Miri MP Chiew Choon Man.

Other signatories are state assemblypersons from Kebun Bunga (Lee Boon Heng), Rawang (Chua Wei Kiat), Semanbu (Chan Chun Kuang), Simpang Pulai (Wong Chai Yi) Chuah (Yew Boon Lye), Bukit Tambun (Goh Choon Aik), Kajang (David Cheong Kian Yong), Bukit Batu (Arthur Chiong Sen Sern) and Bakar Arang (Adam Loh Wei Chai).

"We also think that bringing the issue of international conflict to school is inappropriate and should be reviewed.

"Our government and people need to maintain a rational mind while supporting the Palestinian struggle and never raise the issue of grudges and violence in public institutions," said the elected representatives.

"We do not see this topic from a racial perspective, instead we reflect the opinions and concerns of the general public," said Tan when asked by Malaysiakini if there was a reason behind the ethnicity of the representatives chosen.

Call for review

Earlier today, DAP made a similar call for the programme to be reviewed and action taken against those advocating violent acts, while also reaffirming its stance in solidarity with the Palestinian people on humanitarian principles.

This comes after the circulation of images of Malaysian schoolchildren carrying toy guns while donning headbands voicing support for Palestine, as well as the black and white ‘Palestinian scarf’.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday urged school administrators to control activities organised as part of a ‘solidarity week’ in support of the Palestinian cause.

He said the government encourages schools to organise a Palestinian solidarity week but it is not compulsory and activities held must also be controlled.

Also commenting on the images, the Education Ministry said it will not compromise on any form of ‘extremism’ throughout the Palestine Solidarity Week in schools.

"The use of weapon replicas, as well as icons and symbols with provocative or confrontational elements, are strictly prohibited,” said the Education Ministry in a statement yesterday. - Mkini