The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) women’s wing has urged Malaysian Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to keep local schools out of the political warfare happening in foreign countries. Kho Teck Wan, the chief of the women’s wing, voiced her concern regarding the involvement of primary and secondary school students in street politics.
Kho expressed her shock upon discovering that the Ministry of Education in Malaysia issued instructions to all its schools to organise a ‘Solidarity with Palestine Week’. This event is scheduled to take place from October 29 to November 3, according to a circular issued by the ministry on October 21.
The chief emphasised the multicultural and multireligious nature of Sarawak’s population. As such, she believes that involving schoolchildren in international conflicts could potentially spark unnecessary tensions among the diverse communities.
Kho was sure to clarify that she sees no issue with individuals expressing sympathy and support for a particular country or race, especially in cases concerning human rights. However, she firmly maintains that primary and secondary schools should steer clear of involvement in war-related matters concerning foreign countries.
In addition to her role in SUPP, Kho also serves as a political secretary to the Sarawak premier. She added that while students are free to form their own opinions, the Ministry of Education should avoid involving them in international conflicts.
The circular issued by the Deputy Director-General of Education, Azman Adnan, directed schools to organise activities such as setting up a donation fund and holding video and song presentations relevant to humanitarian issues in Palestine. The circular also encouraged ‘solat hajat’ for Muslim students and special co-curricular activities related to humanitarian issues in Palestine, including song, poem, and poster creation competitions.
