Debate erupts over school solidarity event for Palestine

SHAH ALAM - A video that circulated on social media has ignited a fiery debate surrounding the appropriateness of a school event organised by the government, which was purportedly aimed at showing solidarity with Palestine.

In the video that was shared on Facebook a group of school pupils was gathered in their school hall. Meanwhile, the teachers covered their faces and wore shawls adorned with the flags of Palestine and Malaysia, led them in what appeared to be a 'rally.'

What was most concerning was that, during this march, they pretended to wield fake guns, imitating snipers, and used their hands to make gun symbols.

Even more shocking was the presence of another male teacher, his head concealed by a mask that gave him a resemblance to a 'transformer' character. This only adds another layer of peculiarity to the scene.

According to the photos, it appears that even the school pupils were holding toy guns, imitating snipers, and posing with them.

This video and the photos has raised questions about its content, purpose, and potential implications for students.

Human rights defender Siti Zabedah Kasim also known as (Siti Kasim) posted on her Facebook that this is one of the reasons we objected to this idea by the Madani government to hold the so-called Solidarity with Palestine in schools.

“Are we training Jihadis now in our schools? What's with the weapons and all? Looks like the teacher is pretty proud of herself.

“I am not sure if their parents are aware of this. This is sick! Totally and utterly disgusting,” she said in her post.

This controversial event has sparked significant online discussion, with various users expressing their views.

Facebook user @Ramalingam Dhanapalan, raised his concerns about the school activity.

“Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, please take immediate action to stop this. We should spread humanity and not terrorism,” he said in the comment section.

Another user @Jasson Lee said that such activities should be kept far away from the school environment.

“Developing ittle Talibans? More reasons why religion and political agendas should not be present on school grounds,” he said.

@Chyna Aldora also added that the need for schools is to maintain a focus on education without controversial elements.

"What is this nonsense? Leave the children alone!” she said.

Another user, @KC Mok strssed the importance of imparting values of peace and positivity to young minds.

“Are these teachers out of their minds? Instead of teaching children to embrace peace and positive values, they are encouraging aggression and negativity in the innocent minds of minors!” he said.

Recently it was reported that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had stressed the importance of exercising control in response to allegations of children carrying toy guns during the Palestine Solidarity Week in schools.

"We discussed this in the Cabinet meeting earlier today. First, we encourage the organisation of such programmes, but we won't force all schools to participate. Secondly, we need to ensure that it doesn't become a problem,” he was reported as saying.