Perikatan Nasional MPs appeared unmoved by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek’s emotional plea in Parliament today over the Palestine Solidarity Week conducted in schools.
The parliamentarians from the opposition bloc instead chided her for “putting on a show” in the name of Palestine.
Earlier, the minister was seen fighting back tears in the Dewan Rakyat when delivering her Budget 2024 winding-up speech, as she pleaded for schools to be given room to conduct activities for the solidarity week.
She also warned politicians from both sides of the divide not to disturb schools and teachers from carrying out their responsibilities.
Speaking at a press conference with several PN MPs in Parliament today, Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (Perikatan Nasional–Pasir Mas) expressed his disappointment over Fadhlina’s display of emotions, calling it “unnecessary”.
“She was not serious when she brought up the issue. She could have brought it up at the start or middle of her winding-up speech. She only brought it up in the last three minutes of her speech.
“She didn’t even touch on the issue of 12 representatives in her own party (PKR) who called for a review of the solidarity week.
“Please tell her not to act in the name of the Palestine issue, please be more serious,” Fadhli (above) said.
The PAS leader also questioned the Education Ministry’s guidelines on the “do’s and dont’s” during the solidarity week, especially barring schools from allowing students to chant “takbir” and “Qunut Nazilah” (special prayer in times of extreme hardship).
“To us, it’s a phrase a Muslim can say at any time. The prime minister (Anwar Ibrahim) said it during the (“Malaysia with Palestine Assembly”) gathering at the Axiata Arena Stadium a few days ago,” Fadhli said.
Idris Ahmad (PN – Bagan Serai) shared similar sentiments, asking if Fadhlina and her ministry are facing “pressure” that resulted in the ban on chanting “takbir” and “Qunut Nazilah” in schools.
“If there is pressure, we from PN are ready to back her (Fadhlina).
“We hope that the solidarity programme does not get politicised and made into an issue to bash any quarters,” the PAS vice-president said, adding that the ban has saddened PN MPs.
‘Please clarify your stance’
Meanwhile, Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (PN – Alor Setar) lambasted the government for practising double standards in its support of Palestine.
“The prime minister said he supports Palestine, but in school when they want to clearly show support for Palestine, that’s not allowed. The government MPs have different opinions.
“What’s the government’s stance then? If the ‘commander’ (prime minister) has stated (his stance to support Palestine), then all his subordinates will have to follow.
“It appears that there are many ‘commanders’, so who is the real prime minister?” the PAS Youth chief questioned.
He was referring to the calls by 12 PKR representatives for the Education Ministry’s decision to review the Palestine Solidarity Week to ensure that schools and public institutions are free from elements of hatred and violence.
DAP had also 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.
Another parliamentarian Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau) also expressed disappointment in Fadhlina’s response and urged all quarters to support Anwar’s stance.
“But if there are cracks in the government, we (PN) are ready for a better future,” he said in jest.
Shahidan then divulged that he had filed a motion to the speaker’s officer to debate Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming’s post on X, previously known as Twitter.
It featured an image of two school children holding toy guns, with a caption that reads: “schools are not the place for conflict, extremist ideologies and violence.”
Another similar motion was also filed to debate the stance by 12 PKR representatives who called for a review of Palestine Solidarity Week.
“The speaker said the education minister (Fadhlina) will address it in the Dewan Rakyat. But she didn’t...
“So her response (during her winding-up speech) is tainted.” - Mkini
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