Spreading hatred, teaching negative values and encouraging toxic behaviour is certainly unacceptable.
A
58-second video clip circulated on social media exemplifies the hatred
in our education system and its shortcomings where there appear to be no
boundaries when it comes to what children are taught – in and outside
the classroom.
The clip shows a group of primary school pupils being directed to stomp on the Israeli flag.
It shows a group of pupils at the doorway of a classroom and the lady teacher says: “Pelajar-pelajar, menunjuk solidariti.” (Pupils, show solidarity.)
“Bendera apa ini?” (What flag is this?) asks one of them.
“Bendera Israel.” (Israeli flag)
While the pupils are jumping and stepping on the flag, the teacher is heard telling them: “Dia bunuh orang Palestin… bunuh orang Islam.” (They kill the Palestinians, kill Muslims.)
“Pelajar-pelajar, tunjuk solidariti, pijak 20 kali.” (Pupils, show solidarity. Stomp 20 times.)
Breeding grounds of hatred
While
most Malaysians are aware of the ongoing war in the Middle East and
have expressed our sympathy and support, we abhor the killing of
innocent women and children.
But there are appropriate platforms to express these sentiments, not in classrooms by primary school pupils.
As the prime minister has shown, he brought up the issue at every
opportunity locally and with heads of government and diplomats on his
recent overseas trips.
But why are schools turning out as breeding grounds of hatred? Why are teachers sowing the seeds of hate and divisiveness?
Was she acting “ikut arahan”
(following instructions) or was she doing it of her own volition so
that she could score brownie points now and in the hereafter?
Do we expect the Education Ministry to act? I doubt so. They will probably remain silent hoping the issue will go away.
But
if they are compelled because of the publicity, they will probably set
up a committee to “look into the matter”, after which a series of
meetings will be held to finally conclude with a terse statement: “The
teacher has been sent for counselling.”
Cynics will say she ought
to be rewarded with a promotion to head of the school for her zeal and
willingness to encourage solidarity with the people of Palestine which
would resonate with a certain section of the Madani government.
But
then, is this what our education system breeds? Is this not sowing the
seeds of hate and discord? Is it not the worst form of religious
education for young minds?
