Education Minister tears up while defending Palestine Solidarity Week

KUALA LUMPUR: An emotional Fadhlina Sidek defended the implementation of Palestine Solidarity Week in schools nationwide following several controversies surrounding it.

The Education Minister, who was tearing up during her winding up speech in Parliament, said the Palestine Solidarity Week was meant to foster values of humanity and peace.

“Give us space to carry out our responsibilities and to focus on the education of humanity.

“Stop disturbing us. Don’t interfere with our schools or teachers,” said Fadhlina in Parliament on Thursday (Nov 2).

“Give space to this education process. Understand this as an important message to educate on humanitarian values,” added Fadhlina.

Fadhlina said young students need guidance to navigate their emotions towards being a more noble person and the Education Ministry was trying to foster humanitarian values among students.

“This is not about who is Palestinian and it is not about being shallow and submitting to pressure.

“The Education Ministry is heeding the call of the Prime Minister and the government’s stand to defend the rights and freedom of Palestinians,” said Fadhlina

Fadhlina said she listens to all views and criticisms, including a recent one from a Christian group that advised for the Palestine Solidarity Week to hold prayers according to the respective religions of students.

“There were schools that carried out that suggestion,” said Fadhlina.

Fadhlina also said that the public shouldn’t underestimate students, who she describes as being global citizens.

“That is why, education starts with a strong message so that they can be in an ecosystem that prepares them to tackle issues around them,” added Fadhlina.

Fadhlina said she was happy that the Palestine Solidarity Week programme was running smoothly.

“This morning, I managed to visit a school and tomorrow, I’m supposed to visit a Chinese school in Seremban and the following day, another school in Putrajaya. They all accepted suggestions from all walks of life

“I’m confident that despite the views on the issue, the main message about humanity and unity will be the focal point of all parties,” said Fadhlina.

At a press conference at Parliament lobby later, Bagan Serai MP Datuk Idris Ahmad expressed disappointment at Fadhlina’s explanation regarding the matter.

Idris, who is a PAS vice-president, said that he expected a clearer explanation on the guidelines for the Palestine Solidarity Week, in regards to the prohibition against uttering certain religious terms and prayers.

Last Thursday (Oct 26), the ministry announced that all educational institutions under its purview including schools, vocational and matriculation colleges and teacher training institutes - would be holding a Palestine Solidarity Week aimed at educating children human rights, harmony and universal values.

The announcement triggered debates and raised concerns, especially after a video clip depicting a man wielding a replica rifle during a school programme went viral.

On Oct 31, Fadhlina then issued guidelines for the Palestine Solidarity Week, which includes refraining from extremist rhetoric, avoiding blaming any groups or religion, avoiding activities that may incite confrontation and among others.

The Palestine Solidarity Week will run from Oct 29 to Nov 3.