KUCHING: Sarawak schools and educational institutions are not involved in observing a solidarity week in support of the Palestinian cause – to be held from Oct 29 to Nov 3 – as directed by the Ministry of Education through a notice dated Oct 21, following concerns expressed by several groups, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs), from the state.
Utility and Telecommunication Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said the authorities took into account the differing opinions about educational institutions participating in this initiative.
“As for us in Sarawak, we are mature and take everything very positively. We don’t want to stir anything up about the issue.
“We leave it to the authorities to handle it, and we don’t want Sarawak to be involved in it. Furthermore, the issue stems from the federal side, and it does not involve us,” he told reporters after attending the ‘Sarawakian’s Prayer for Palestine’ programme at Masjid Jamek, organised by Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) yesterday (Oct 26).
He was responding to instructions from the MoE requesting all educational institutions under its purview to implement and observe a solidarity week in support of the Palestine cause.
On the same note, he also stressed the importance of distinguishing between accurate and inaccurate information, particularly through social media.
“We hope that in Sarawak we can filter the information we receive as effectively as possible to avoid disturbing our faith as Muslims and to maintain our sympathy for the oppressed Palestinian people.
“In Sarawak, we are making efforts to ensure that this information is disseminated through our sermons in mosques and suraus.
“During the Friday sermon (khutbah jumaat), this information will also be conveyed to ensure that the Muslim community receives accurate information,” he added.
