GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Education Department today said it will not approve an application to hold a history programme entitled “DAP and Penang” at all national primary schools in the state next year.
State Education Department director Shaari Osman said he would not allow the programme to proceed “at all costs”.
“All I can say is that it will not be allowed to proceed. I just want to focus on the mandate given to me to prepare our students to face this challenging world.
“For that, they will need the necessary knowledge and skills while in school,” he told the New Straits Times when contacted today.
The application was submitted on Friday by a group of volunteers, which is made up of DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) members.
The group, led by DAPSY leader Joshua Woo Sze Zeng, had wanted the programme to be held in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of DAP’s rule in Penang.
In its application, the group said DAP’s role in the history of Penang since 2008 was a historical fact that “could not be disputed”.
The group said the programme, which would include dramas, class decorations, singing and quizzes, would enable primary students to better understand the state’s history.
The group claimed that the programme was not organised by the DAP, and that it was not meant for political purposes.
It also said there would be no instructions for participating students and teachers to join DAP.
The group, however, pointed out that party flags would be temporarily installed around the schools, and that students would be given DAP flags and asked to sing the party’s songs.
The proposal, the group added, did not go against the Education Ministry’s laws and guidelines.
Meanwhile, Penang Umno Youth said DAPSY was spewing “rhetoric” and was “politically hungry”.
State Umno Youth vice-chief Jasmin Noordin said students in Penang should be taught about the state’s entire history, and not only the period during which DAP came into power.
“My advice to them is to come back to the real world. The struggles and contributions of Umno in securing the country’s independence cannot be denied.
“What are DAP’s contributions to Penang? I hope the group can instead organise motivational programmes or assist students from poor families,” he added.
Jasmin said the group’s proposal to hold the ‘DAP and Penang’ programme was an attempt to “indoctrinate” the students in the state.