Phoong Jin Zhe
KOTA KINABALU: Schools in Sabah are not obligated to enforce the ‘Palestine Solidarity Week’ directive that has been issued by the Education Ministry (MoE), said Luyang Assemblyman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe.
He said he received the confirmation on this from Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying.
The MoE 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. This matter has sparked controversy and opposition from various organisations and non-governmental organisations in Sabah.
“As an elected representative, I am also strongly concerned about this issue.
“The MoE 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.
“Last night, after concluding official visits in Brunei, I immediately obtained confirmation through text messages from Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying that schools in Sabah and Sarawak have flexibility to choose whether to hold “Palestine Solidarity Week” or not.
“I believe that this activity should not only be discouraged in Sabah but also should not take place throughout Malaysia. 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,” he said in a statement today.
He said that based on humanitarian support, he acknowledged 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.
“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 said.
