KUCHING: A notice from the Ministry of Education calling for all schools to demonstrate and observe a solidarity week in support of the Palestinian cause shows a worrying lack of discernment by the highest officers entrusted with the shaping of the country’s children’s minds and their future.
Ba’ Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian said it is crucial to maintain the integrity of the country’s educational institutions and keep them free from the entanglement of global political disputes.
“If we involve schools in one international conflict, what would stop us from doing the same in the case of other wars, like the Ukraine conflict or any future crisis?
“To maintain the impartiality of our education system, we must recognise that such decisions and directives are not within the ambit of the Education Ministry,” he said in a statement today.
He called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Ministry of Education to reconsider this decision and ensure that schools remain sanctuaries for unbiased education, where children are nurtured to be responsible, compassionate, and well-informed global citizens.
“We stand in unwavering solidarity with the innocent victims, including children, women, and men, who are caught in the crossfire of complex international conflicts, such as the Israel-Hamas crisis. It is essential that we empathise with their suffering and promote a message of peace.
“However, taking sides in these conflicts and involving our young children in such politically complicated matters is not conducive to their well-being and education,” he said.
Baru added that schools should remain neutral spaces for learning, growth, and understanding. This is particularly crucial in Malaysia; where political parties routinely play on religious and racial issues to drum up support.
“This unhealthy and dangerous practice must be stopped, and not encouraged,” he added.
