PETALING JAYA: MCA Youth secretary-general Saw Yee Fung has expressed her disagreement with the indoctrination of children with hatred, stating that it distorts the noble mission of education. She made this statement in response to certain schools holding a Palestine Solidarity Week during which they portrayed violence and war cries to young children. Saw pointed out that there is a significant difference between role-playing performances that involve animation characters or games and educators advocating for war.
She emphasized that MCA unwaveringly supports Palestine and their right to freedom and independence amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict. However, she disagreed with the Education Ministry’s instructions to hold a “Palestine Solidarity Week” without clear guidelines. This lack of clarity resulted in some schools crossing the line by exposing young children to violence and war propaganda.
Saw stressed that indoctrinating children with hatred and aggression contradicts the principles of justice and education’s noble mission. She also highlighted the need to correct any misconceptions arising from educators using replica machine rifles or launching flaming arrows during the event.
She criticized the Perikatan MP for Alor Setar, Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden, and the PAS Youth chief for questioning why Chinese vernacular schoolchildren were allowed to don costumes with replica weapons while Hamas-inspired costumes during the Palestine Solidarity Week were considered extreme. Saw clarified that there is no comparison between harmless role-playing as fictional characters and educators promoting war, violence, and potential harm.
Saw further addressed comments made by Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, who questioned the use of samurai swords by Chinese schoolchildren, implying that it constituted extremism and terrorism. She dismissed these comments as provocative and divisive, highlighting that harmless role-playing as fictional characters such as Ninja Turtles is purely for fun and entertainment.
Saw criticized schools that dressed up children as soldiers and encouraged them to brandish toy firearms or lob flaming arrows at flags, stating that such actions convey a confusing and manipulative message. She urged the Youth chiefs of PAS and Umno to refrain from disparaging those who have criticized the glorification of firearms and violence by educators.
In conclusion, Saw emphasized that political figures should focus on promoting peaceful coexistence, compassion, and empathy in a multiracial country rather than playing the race card.
SAW YEE FUNG
Secretary-general, MCA Youth
