DAP has urged the Education Ministry (MOE) to take immediate disciplinary action against the primary school administration which had organised a solidarity with the Palestinians programme featuring elements of violence and extremism.

Photographs circulating on social media showed teachers and students dressed as militants, some even brandishing replica firearms. 

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke expressed concern over these images and called on the ministry to take measures to prevent the recurrence of such programmes.

“DAP opposes any form of violence and opposes all forms of programmes that exhibit elements of armed violence in all schools involving students at a young age. Such programmes will only give the wrong messages and lessons to our young generation.

“DAP urges the Education Ministry to take strict disciplinary action against the organisers and to prevent any similar programmes from happening again,” the statement read.

Given the public concern generated by the incident, Loke urged the MOE to reconsider holding the Palestine Solidarity Week programme in schools, scheduled to begin tomorrow.

Loke recommended that the ministry explore more appropriate methods to convey the message of solidarity with the Palestinian cause. 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had urged school administrators to exercise control over the week’s activities in support of the Palestinians, emphasising that while the government encourages such events, they should be conducted responsibly and with strict oversight. – October 1, 2023.