KOTA KINABALU: A group of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from Sabah and Sarawak are concerned over a notice from the government calling for all schools to demonstrate and observe a solidarity week in support of the Palestinian cause.
The group is referring to a notice from the Education Ministry dated Oct 21, 2023 which they deemed as inappropriate as the administrative ruling was without discussions on its appropriateness at Dewan Rakyat nor the parents.
"The proposed action has not been adequately considered for its long-term impact. We NGOs here are seemingly reflecting community views as well.
"We are looking at the seriousness of dragging school children into becoming part of the global, grown-up adult world of protests and not subject young minds to getting embroiled in this Middle East crisis," according to a joint statement by 17 NGOs.
Those NGOs are Global Human Rights Federation (GHRF), Persatuan Bekas Pelajar Sekolah Tamil Malaysia (Pertama), Borneo's Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo), Independent Coalition Of Natives, Sarawak, Malaysia Chinese Educated Students Association, Centre for Education Excellence - Hindu Agamam Ani Malaysia and Gindol Initiative for Civil Society Borneo, among others.
Organisations from Sabah are the Sabah Dayak Ethnic Welfare Organisation and Sabah Community Social Development Association (Bangun).
"Parents send their children to national type schools, not only for academic progress but also hope for mental and social balance, developing, learning and interacting with other pupils of other races and religious faiths.
"School is a place for instilling moral ethics and values that enrich a multiracial, multicultural and multireligious Malaysian society."
The group reminded the government on the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) on Feb 17, 1995, and under Article 29 which states that the education of the child shall be directed to the development of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and for the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.
It also touches on the preparation of the child for a responsible life in a free society, in the spirit of understanding, peace, tolerance, equality of sexes and friendship among all peoples, ethnic, national and religious groups and persons of indigenous origin.
"We therefore categorically urge the Education Ministry and the government to keep international politics (conflicts), religious disputes and war-cries out of schools and education institutions."