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Kota Kinabalu: Schools in Sabah and Sarawak are not obliged to enforce the “Palestine Solidarity Week” directive, said Luyang Assemblyman Phoong Jin Zhe.

Phoong, in a statement Friday, said he received the non-obligation confirmation from Deputy Minister of Education (MoE) Lim Hui Ying via text message.

“This matter has sparked controversy and opposition from various organisations and non-governmental organisations in Sabah. 

“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 be involved in adult protests around the world.

“Young students should not be dragged into the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict,” he said. 

The MoE recently issued a circular designating Oct 29 to Nov 3 as “Palestine Solidarity Week” and instructed all schools nationwide to hold this event in support of Palestine, which is embroiled in Israel’s war against Hamas. 

Phoong opined that such activities should not only be discouraged in Sabah but also should not take place throughout Malaysia. 

He said the MoE should encourage schools to teach the importance of peace instead of involving children, who lack the capacity for judgment, in complex political manoeuvres.

“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 their physical, mental and spiritual development.

I strongly oppose acts of war and violence and pray for an early resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, allowing local residents to return to peaceful days,” he added.

A screengrab of the video.

Pictures making their rounds on social media.

A video that surfaced on social media on Friday showed a teacher dressed in militant clothing, including a bulletproof vest, brandishing a toy shotgun towards primary students in a parade believed to have taken place at a Klang school in the peninsula. 

In other photos, students were made to wear a “Save Palestine” headband and Palestinian kufiya (scarf) at a school field to simulate war and netizens have been asking if it is the Unity Madani Government’s agenda to radicalise Malaysian schoolchildren.

United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) Youth also wanted the Ministry to reconsider the directive.

Its Chief Felix Joseph Saang said there is concern among the public, especially parents, about the impact on students when they are exposed to “violence”.

“We should educate our students to pray for global peace regardless of religious beliefs. Solidarity through prayer is more meaningful.

“What we want is for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to be immediately stopped. We continue to pray for the people of Palestine and the people of Israel.

He said Palestine Solidary Week activities could fuel animosity and hinder the development of harmonious relationships among students.