PALESTINE solidarity programmes in schools must be controlled, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today.

“We have to control this. We discussed this in the cabinet meeting. We encourage schools to do this (show solidarity for Palestine) but not force them on students.

“Secondly, we have to control it so it won’t become a problem,” he told reporters after Friday prayers in Sepang today.

The prime minister’s remarks came as social media images emerged of students and teachers carrying toy guns in a school as part of displays of solidarity with Palestinians, who were under siege in Gaza.

A 55-second viral video clip showed adults who appeared to be teachers wearing bulletproof vests, balaclava masks and pointing toy rifles at students.

Images of similar events have gone viral on social media. One showed a school in Klang where children wore green bandanas with the words “Save Palestine” and carried toy guns.

Activist-cum-lawyer Siti Kasim said this was why many objected to the government’s idea of launching the Palestine Solidarity Week in schools.

“Are we training jihadists now in our schools? What’s with the weapons and all? Looks like the teacher is pretty proud of herself. I am not sure if their parents are aware of this. This is sick!” she said on Facebook.

She was also disappointed the school in Klang was a special needs institution.

Meanwhile, the Melaka Action Group for Parents in Education reportedly urged the Education Ministry to issue warnings to schools involved in allowing students to bring toy guns for Palestine solidarity week.

Group chairman Mak Chee Kin said the incident was worrying as children should be instilled with positive values.

“Please leave the young ones alone and let the leaders tackle this (Israel-Palestine) issue,” Mak was quoted as saying by Free Malaysia Today.

Earlier this week, the Education Ministry announced it would launch the “Palestine Solidarity Week” from October 29 to November 3 in all schools under the ministry and teacher training institutes. – October 27, 2023.