DAP condemns portrayal of violence, firearms in school programme

PETALING JAYA: DAP has expressed regret over a programme organised by a primary school during the Solidarity With Palestine Week that had teachers and students brandishing replica firearms during one activity.

In a statement, the party said it was disappointed over the display of elements of violence with the use of the replica weapons.

“DAP opposes any form of violence and opposes all forms of programs that exhibit elements of armed violence in all schools involving students at a young age.

“Such programs will only give wrong messages and lessons to our young generation.

“Therefore, DAP urges the Education Ministry to take strict disciplinary action against those who organise the programme and prevent any similar programs from happening again,” said party secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook Saturday (Oct 28).

He added that since this incident has caused public concern, the Education Ministry should reconsider the organising of the Solidarity With Palestine Week program in schools and use a more appropriate approach to convey the message among school students.

“Programmes at schools should foster the spirit of love for universal peace and apply humane values in forming a personality that is in line with Madani principles.

“Cross-cultural relationships and understanding as well as mutual respect among peers from different backgrounds should also be fostered,” Loke added.

He said DAP reiterates its stance to continue to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people on humanitarian principles and always support the Malaysian Government’s stance to speak out on the world stage for the struggle to liberate Palestine and restore their rightful rights and territory.

Videos of the gun-brandishing activity are making their rounds all over social media.

The video and photos showed students and teachers parading around brandishing firearm replicas while carrying the Palestine flags and wearing the Palestinian keffiyeh scarves, said to be part of the Solidarity With Palestine Week event in schools.

The visuals were believed to have originated from a public school in Pahang.

On Thursday (Oct 26), the ministry announced that all educational institutions under its purview would be holding Palestine Solidarity Week next week, that is, from Oct 29 to Nov 3, in response to the government’s stance of standing together to defend the rights and freedom of the Palestinian people.