KUCHING: Although everyone has the right to freedom of expression, school children should not get involved in matters related to international conflicts or wars.
Political secretary to Premier of Sarawak Kho Teck Wan in a statement today expressed her shock and concern regarding a notice from the Education Ministry dated Oct 21 calling for all schools to demonstrate and observe a solidarity week in support of the Palestinian cause.
“I am of the opinion that one has the freedom to express sympathy and show support towards a certain country, especially when it involves human rights. However, schools, especially primary and secondary schools, should not get involved in conflicts and wars,” she said.
Kho, who is also the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) women chief, opined that such action is inappropriate as involving school children with international conflicts can potentially create unnecessary frictions among multiracial and multireligion communities, in the country, especially Sarawak.
The people of Sarawak, she said, came from various races, religions and culture background, thus, she urged the unity federal government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to keep schools in Malaysia out of politics and conflicts in foreign countries,
“Don’t create a precedent as it is not appropriate for primary and secondary school students to get involved in street politics,” she stressed.
