KUALA LUMPUR: Penang Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) has called on the government to put an end to the exploitation of schools and children for political purposes.
Its vice chairman Ravinder Singh expressed concern about the Palestine Solidarity Week activity in schools where videos and pictures have shown teachers dressed as guerrillas displaying aggressive behaviour in front of students and schoolchildren were seen stomping on flags.
"Malaysia is also a signatory to the UN Charter of Children's Rights, under which it is the obligation of the government to protect children from "all other forms of exploitation, for example, the exploitation of children for political activities".
"The PSW week in schools is the exploitation of children for the politics of adults in connection with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
"Children are innocent parties and should never be dragged into the politics of the adults under whatever guises, in this instance the excuse of civics lessons," he said.
He further criticised the Education Ministry for not addressing the widespread discipline issues in schools.
He questioned why, despite decades of civics, moral and religious education, children in schools still struggle with discipline.
"Is the ministry denying that school indiscipline is rampant and at a critical stage?
"Will one week of PSW improve the discipline of the children after it has instilled humanitarian values such as respect, compassion, and responsibility?
"Please don't fool the public," he added.
Ravinder added that despite the ministry claiming that the PSW activity is aligned with civics education and promotes humanitarian values, there are no similar weeks for other global conflicts, raising concerns about the selection criteria.
"There has been significant pain, suffering, and loss of innocent lives in the Ukraine war,yet there was no 'Ukraine Solidarity Week'," he said.
On Oct 27, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim called on school administrators to take more systematic measures to monitor the PSW event in schools.
Anwar stated that the event was encouraged after being discussed in a cabinet meeting and that it was not compulsory for any school, but it must be controlled to prevent any arising issues.
However, PRM slammed Anwar, saying his reminder to schools not to go to extremes was insufficient.
"The government must have a firm, uncompromising policy to keep schools clear of activities that have even the slightest connection with adults' politics.
"He must remember that this is a multiracial, multi-religious, multi-cultural country and children should never be taught to dislike or hate people of races, religions or cultures other than their own.
"This renders all the talk of creating unity among the races mere empty talk. Leave the innocent children alone," he said.
He emphasised that the government should stop being in denial that the schools were teaching hate, not respect or compassion.
"It was not an isolated case. The hijacking of civics education to teach hatred of others in schools is most deplorable," he added.
He suggested that politics and teaching must not mix.
"No serving teachers and education ministry officers should be allowed to be members of any political parties.
"If they are more interested in politics, they should resign," he added.
Previously, several parties, including politicians and parent groups had called for a review of the programme organised by the ministry.