Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari has defended teachers and students who used toy guns to show solidarity with Palestinians.
Citing a now-deleted post on X (Twitter) by Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming, the former PAS Youth chief said the use of toy guns was not tantamount to promoting violence or extremist ideology.
On the contrary, Ahmad Fadhli said it was just one way for students to be educated on the Palestinian struggle against Israel.
“Apparently, when children brought toy guns, it was to teach them about violence, when by right, it was just one method to educate them on the ongoing struggle of Palestinians.
“This is a very dangerous statement, because, to us, it has revealed the ‘true face’ of certain leaders in government today,” said Ahmad Fadhli.
His argument was also echoed by Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal and others from PN.
Nga in his post on Oct 28 wrote, “schools are not the place for conflict, extremist ideologies and violence”.
“On the contrary, humanitarian values and love for peace must be placed on the forefront. Those who abused their powers must be subjected to disciplinary action,” said Nga.
The minister also included an image of two school children holding toy guns, with their faces covered using a black and white shawl synonymous with the Palestinian struggle.
Further, Ahmad Fadhli urged the Education Ministry to not yield to calls for disciplinary action against teachers or students involved.
“We urge the teachers involved in the Palestine Solidarity Week not be subjected to disciplinary action.
“If action is taken (against them), we (PN) will state our stand and ask all Malaysians to be in solidarity with the schools’ administrators,” he said.
Ahmad Fadhli also questioned an unrelated programme said to be organised at a Chinese-type school in Klang on Oct 20, where students were seen dressed as superheroes with their own mock weapons.
“If those involved in solidarity with Palestine are seen as extreme or violent, why is it okay for other toy weapons as part of superhero costumes?
“This is a one-sided view,” he said.
In response to public outcry over the issue, the Education Ministry released a guideline for schools to hold programmes during the Palestine Solidarity Rally this week, including a ban on the use of toy guns or weapons. – Malaysiakini