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Kota Kinabalu: Sabah schools are not obligated to carry out a Palestine Solidarity Week directive from the Education Ministry, said Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe.

Phoong, in a statement, said he had received confirmation from Deputy Minister of Education Lim Hui Ying on the non-obligation. 

“The Ministry of Education recently issued a circular designating October 29th to November 3rd as ‘Palestine Solidarity Week’ and instructed all schools nationwide to hold this event in support of Palestine, which has recently been embroiled in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict,” said Phoong.

“The Ministry of Education and the government should keep all schools and educational institutions in Malaysia away from international political conflicts, religious disputes, and wars. 

“Students should attend school to acquire knowledge rather than being involved in adult protests around the world. Young students should not be dragged into the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

"Based on humanitarian support, I acknowledge the Unity government's stance in supporting Palestine. However, I emphasise that underage students should not participate in any form of political activities, especially being involved in conflicts abroad, as it would affect the physical, mental, and spiritual development of underage students."