KOTA BARU: Pas is not happy with the conduct of 12 PKR representatives who used terminology like vengeance, hatred, and violence to express their worries and objections to the Ministry of Education's (MoE) Palestine Solidarity Week events in schools and other educational institutions.
Its secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the use of such terms, even in a negative context, could lead to misunderstanding.
"When referring to the Palestinians' struggle, the use of such terms will not only lead to ambiguity but will also appear to extend the narrative of propaganda and prejudice by the western media and those who support the Israeli regime," he said in a statement.
The Kota Baru MP said Pas agreed that such elements should not be brought in or
nourished among students and society.
"But, its use in the context of the legitimate struggle and resistance of Palestine people against invasion and conquest by a regime formed unilaterally based on the illegitimate interests of the colonial powers after the end of the Second World War, is as bad as the invasion and conquest.
"Laws and universal values clearly support and accept the struggle for independence and liberation from colonialism and invasion as the basic rights of all human beings.
"This support and acceptance does not only involve peaceful and diplomatic efforts but also includes armed struggle by the quarters who were affected by it," said Takiyuddin.
He said the PKR members of parliament and assemblymen involved needed to be more careful on the issue so that they would not be seen trying to give a wrong impression of the struggle of the Palestine people.
"This is also to prevent them from being seen subtly using that image to sabotage the Ministry's good efforts by exposing students to the conflict that is happening in the region involved," he said.
He said Pas agreed that excessive filling of programmes in some schools as reported recently should be avoided.
"But this is not a core issue or too important to be used as an argument to cancel or reconsider it," he said.
Takiyuddin said MoE needed to take a step forward by providing more details on the ministry's guidelines as guidance to schools and educational institutions on the programmes that were allowed.
Yesterday, PKR representatives said MoE should review its decision to organise the Palestine Solidarity Week at schools and public education institutions.
They said while the programme was aimed at instilling humanitarianism into students, it should be free from any elements of vengeance and violence.
"It would however be difficult for the ministry to monitor the programme (and ensure) that it achieves its aim without spreading resentment and violence," read the statement.
The statement was jointly issued by among others, Gopeng MP Tan Kar Hing, Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung, Miri MP Chiew Choon Man Kebun Bunga assemblymen Lee Boon Heng, Rawang assemblyman Chua Wei Kiat, Semambu assemblyman Chan Chun Kuang and Simpang Pulai assemblyman Wong Chai Yi.
Others are Chuah assemblyman Yew Boon Lye, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, Kajang assemblyman David Cheong Kian Yong, Bukit Batu Arthur Chiong Sen Sern and Bakar Arang assemblyman Adam Loh Wei Chai.
The group expressed hope that the ministry would take strict action against those who failed to comply with its guidelines and incited violence using toy weapons in schools.
"We are of the view that bringing up the issue of an international conflict to school is unreasonable and must be studied.
"The government and people must maintain a rational mind while supporting the Palestinian cause and must not incite resentment and violence at public institutions."
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek had said yesterday a programme held by a school, which had gone viral for displaying replica weapons, did not comply with guidelines set by the government.
She said the programme was not part of the Palestine Solidarity Week to be held until Nov 3.