MOE bans violent elements during Palestine Solidarity Week


Ravin Palanisamy

The Education Ministry has prohibited schools from including violent elements in displays of solidarity with Palestinians. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, October 27, 2023.

VIOLENT elements were strongly prohibited during “Palestine Solidarity Week” in schools, the Education Ministry (MOE) said today.

The statement came after social media posts showed students and teachers carrying toy guns to show solidarity with Palestinians, who are under siege in Gaza.

“MOE has taken note of the public’s concerns regarding a viral video on social media about a programme at a school that displayed elements of extremism.

“This was organised outside the implementation period of the Palestine Solidarity Week and did not follow the guidelines set by the ministry,” MOE said in a statement today, adding that the solidarity week would be from October 29 to November 3.

The 55-second viral clip showed adults who appeared to be teachers wearing bulletproof vests and balaclavas and pointing toy rifles at students.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the Palestine solidarity programmes at schools must be regulated.

MOE said it would not condone activities that portray extremism during “Palestine Solidarity Week”.

“The use of replica weapons, icons and symbols that contain elements of provocation and confrontation is not allowed,” it said.

The ministry said the programme aimed to educate students on human rights and universal peace.

“The ministry encourages activities that support humanitarian issues such as watching peace videos, humanitarian poetry contests, peace-themed poster painting competitions and donation collections for Palestinians.

“All institutions under MOE’s purview are requested to follow guidelines that have been set,” the ministry said.

The MOE said “Palestine Solidarity Week” must be used to educate students about tolerance, love and mutual respect. – October 27, 2023.



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Comments


  • There is nothing you can say or do that will not include violence when you speak about Palestine. Stop it;

    Posted 2 years ago by Alphonz Jayaraman · Reply

  • The videos are scarry to watch. They look like Hamas training centres in Malaysian schools. We have lost all credibility in the eyes of the world thanks to the stupidity of the PM and his monumentally dumb Education Minister.

    Posted 2 years ago by Gerard Lourdesamy · Reply

    • I wish some of the above commentators' read some of the things happening in Manipur India, the best democracy in the world. Did I read about naked women being taken around a tour of the city? OR rather read about the killing of a Canadian Sikh who DREAMED ABOUT Sikhi STAN.

      Posted 2 years ago by Citizen Pencen · Reply