PETALING JAYA – DAP today joined the chorus of those expressing dissatisfaction and concern over a programme in a primary school yesterday with students brandishing toy guns resembling M-16s and dressing up as militants.
Its secretary-general Anthony Loke, in a statement, said DAP opposed all forms of programmes that exhibit elements of armed violence in all schools involving students at a young age.
“Such programmes will only give wrong messages and lessons to our young generation.
“DAP urges the Education Ministry to take strict disciplinary action against those who organised the programme and prevent any similar incident from happening again,” he said.
Yesterday, images of primary school students brandishing toy guns resembling M-16s and dressing up as militants, believed to be taken during preparations for the MoE’s Palestine Solidarity Week, garnered backlash from concerned activists.
Global Human Rights Federation president S. Shashi Kumar called on the MoE to put a stop to the programme, saying that the way the activities were carried out was not age-appropriate.
Loke said since the incident had caused public concern, the MoE should reconsider the organisation of the Palestine Solidarity Week programme in schools and use a more appropriate approach to convey the message to school students.
He said programmes at school 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.
“DAP reiterates our stance to continue to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people on humanitarian principles and support the government to speak out on the world stage for the struggle to liberate Palestine and restore their rightful rights and territory,” he added. – The Vibes, October 28, 2023
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