KUCHING: The Dayak National Congress (DNC) has strongly opposed the directive from the Ministry of Education (MOE) to involve school students in Palestinian Solidarity Week.
Its publicity chief Dr Kennedy Paing said that the DNC believed that it was crucial for students to prioritise their education and personal growth instead of participating in such protests which could have negative consequences on their well-being and academic progress.
“While the DNC acknowledges the importance of free speech and the right to voice one’s opinions, we firmly believe that students should be encouraged to engage in constructive dialogue and peaceful means of expressing their concerns.
“Participating in protests, particularly those related to complex geopolitical conflicts, can expose young individuals to potentially volatile situations, where emotions run high and tensions escalate rapidly,” he said in a statement today.
Adding on, he also noted that it was essential to recognise that the conflict between Israel and Hamas was a deeply rooted and multifaceted issue, which required a nuanced understanding of historical context, international law, and geopolitical dynamics.
Therefore, he opined that engaging in protests without a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved could perpetuate misunderstandings, polarisation, and further division among the various races in Malaysia.
“Moreover, school should primarily serve as an environment that fosters learning, growth, and intellectual development.
“Students’ involvement in protests can significantly impact their academic performance, as it may distract them from their studies and prevent them from fully engaging with their educational pursuits.
“We believe that schools should prioritise providing a safe and inclusive learning environment that promotes critical thinking, empathy, and respect for diverse perspectives,” he said.
Following this, Kennedy suggested that instead of encouraging students to participate in protests with elements of religious undertones, such as ‘solat hajat’ even though it would only involve Muslim students, educational institutions, parents, and community leaders were urged to focus on facilitating open discussions, educational initiatives, and cultural exchanges that promote dialogue, understanding, and peacebuilding.
“By nurturing a climate of empathy and respect, we can empower young individuals to become informed global citizens who are capable of contributing positively to society.
“The DNC remains committed to fostering peaceful dialogue, understanding, and respect among all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.
“We encourage students, parents, and educators to engage in meaningful conversations, seek out diverse perspectives, and explore peaceful avenues for expressing their concerns and promoting positive change,” he said.
