Students are encouraged, not forced, to know about the Palestine-Israel conflict

KUALA LUMPUR: Students are encouraged but not forced to know about the Palestine-Israel conflict, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said, while adding that there are guidelines to comply with at schools.

“This is an issue related to humanity. I support the Education Minister’s move to encourage students to follow the developments (of the conflict). It is not to force them but only encourage,” the premier said during the Prime Minister Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Oct 31).

“Of course, we have guidelines to ensure that no violent behaviour is encouraged. It is only to enlighten them, give them the understanding of what happened and the meaning of cruelty, oppression and dispossession,” he added.

On Oct 26, the Education Ministry announced it would hold a Palestine Solidarity Week from Oct 29 to Nov 3.

The event would involve all educational institutions under the ministry, including schools, vocational and matriculation colleges, and teacher training institutes nationwide.

The announcement has triggered debates and raised concerns, especially after a video clip depicting a man dressed as a militant and wielding a replica rifle during a school programme went viral on social media platforms, causing concern among parents and netizens.

In response, the ministry stated that it would not tolerate any elements of extremism and violence during the organisation of Palestine Solidarity Week at all institutions under its purview.