KUCHING: Catholic Bishops Conference of Malaysia (CBCM) president Archbishop Simon Poh has called for solidarity in praying for peace in Palestine.
This call comes after videos surfaced showing school teachers carrying toy guns and encouraging students to step on a flag labelled as the enemy’s, a display which Poh finds deeply troubling.
He expressed concern about the expression of solidarity, the introduction of toy guns and the promotion of violence to children within schools.
“The videos that are currently circulating in social media showed how children, even from a very tender age, can easily be manipulated by adults as they learn how to hate and show aggression towards anyone whom adults labelled as the enemy.
“Malaysians in general are considered as generous in giving aids and donations to alleviate suffering, especially for the innocent victims and communities affected by wars or natural disasters. Such kindness is indeed commendable.
“However, it is always inappropriate to encourage children to use violence or to vent their anger against those whom adults labelled as the enemy. What is even more terrifying is that while world rulers are trying to resolve the conflict, such violence can be brought right into the classrooms and imprinted onto the innocent hearts of our young children.
“Guns and school should never mix together,” he said in a statement yesterday (Oct 27).
He said the Catholic Church in Malaysia also expressed deep concern regarding the Ministry of Education (MOE) circular dated October 21, 2023, instructing schools to organise ‘Minggu Solidariti Palestine’ from October 29 to November 3, in support of Palestinians in Gaza.
“Children and students in schools are considered as minors and should never be dragged into such polemics.
“In our particular case, when students were asked to lend support to Palestinian against Israel, this can give rise to anti-Jew sentiment as seen by some overzealous teachers,” he pointed out.
Poh added that since the formation of Malaysia in 1963, schools have taught Malaysians to live in harmony, respect differences in faith and culture, and work for a prosperous and harmonious nation.
“This was enshrined in the 1970 Rukun Negara, which was formed with the main purpose of building a strong unity and harmony for the stability and prosperity of our nation Malaysia.
“So, let us be reminded that schools are set up for education and not for learning to hate others. The priority of education is to equip students for life and to have good moral values and civic mindedness.
“Schools are the forum where children form friendships and are educated to be good citizens to build harmony and progress for our nation Malaysia,” he said.
In Malaysia, he said people live, study and work together side by side in a multiracial, cultural and various faith communities throughout Malaysia.
“Let our energy be focussed on economic recovery, creating employment for our people, working for better understanding and harmony between all people of Sarawak, Sabah and Semenanjung,” he said.
Poh also praised the discretion of Sarawak’s Ministers for choosing not to follow the MOE directives in order to avoid stirring up issues related to this matter.
“On behalf of the Catholic Bishops in Malaysia, and in solidarity with people and neighbours of goodwill, I appeal to our Malaysian spiritual and political leaders to ensure that our respective houses of worship and schools promote peace and harmony.
“Let us implore God to touch the hearts of world leaders and pray for peace in Palestine, Ukraine and throughout the world,” he said.
