A Labuan school, SKK St Anne Labuan, is receiving praise from social media users for its efforts in promoting harmony and unity through prayers and a Palestine Fund for Peace. The school recently organized a universal harmony programme where Muslim students performed a Yaseen reading and Solat Hajat, while Catholic students recited the rosary. Other spiritual activities took place during the programme, as well as the launch of a Palestine Humanitarian Fund. The objective of this activity is to foster better relations among the community and school and instill values of tolerance, mutual respect, and love among the students.
The school’s Facebook post about the event has gained thousands of shares and likes, with many expressing their respect for the school. Social media users commend the school for its approach, stating that it is a great example to other institutions. Fazila Suhailee emphasizes the importance of sharing moral support for peace and condemning violence, regardless of race. She believes that teaching children patriotism and building good character are essential aspects of education.
Amidst this positive response, concerns have been raised about a school in peninsula Malaysia that allegedly organized a Palestine solidarity programme involving violence. A 55-second video clip showing a man with a replica rifle in a school programme went viral on X and TikTok, causing public alarm. In response to these concerns, the Education Ministry issued a circular asking all schools and education institutions to observe the Palestine Solidarity Week from Oct 29 to Nov 3.
However, the ministry clarified that it does not endorse any extreme demonstrations of support for Palestine, such as the waving of replica firearms or banners inciting violence. Permissible activities include peace-promoting shows, poetry recitations, poster drawing contests, and donation collections for Palestinians. The ministry expects institutions to adhere to the guidelines for organizing such activities. On the other hand, higher education institutions have the freedom to express their solidarity with Palestine according to their own rules and regulations, according to Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
In response to the Palestine Solidarity Week, Sabah Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe mentioned that the state is not obliged to observe it, as confirmed by Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying.
