Yesterday, the hot topic among the public was about the primary school in Putrajaya which held a contest and performance themed ‘Umno’ which saw its students chanting ‘Hidup Umno’ slogans, waving the party’s flag and singing its song.
The Federal Territory Minister, Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor himself attended the event. He is also Putrajaya Member of Parliament as well as Umno Secretary-General.
The Education Ministry had previously issued a stern directive for schools not to be allowed to become a political arena.
- The programme in that primary school was a part of Umno’s desperate and blatant political trick behind the organised activities.
There is no requirement for such programme in a school as there are many other suitable locations to promote a political party.
Umno Ministers seem to be not too smart for not being able to differentiate between government and party, where a government is supported by citizens and not party.
- We saw young politically naive children becoming the victims of the authorities in that programme.
Is Umno the only one who can use all public facilities to their whims for the sake of the party?
- Even if the excuse is for the sake of History or in the spirit of the month of independence, such programmes have been ongoing throughout August.
Even the government had stated not to politicized public premises, hence such incident should not have happened as it was a violation and extremism.
- Teachers as civil servants and educators have become victims who had to obey all instructions from the authorities.
Most teachers involved were uneasy and did not agree to the theme however the Headmaster was the only one seen to be in full support of the programme.
Therefore, we, representing Putrajaya Pakatan Harapan is hereby strongly protesting such programmes and we urge for such practice to be immediately stopped as civil servants are subjected to public services laws which prohibits any kind of political programme in government premises.
- By right, teachers who are responsible to educate our children should not be included in programmes supporting the government party as the circular issued has clearly stated that such programme involving government officers is strictly prohibited since their salaries are paid by the public.
We urge schools to emphasize more on patriotism that prioritises national interest rather than the narrow idea of supporting any particular political parties as the latter approach can create disunity among communities in this country that we love.
Thank you.
PUTRAJAYA PAKATAN HARAPAN
Onn Abu Bakar
Branch Chief
People’s Justice Party (KEADILAN), Putrajaya
Haji Kamal Koh
Area Chief
Parti Amanah Negara (AMANAH), Putrajaya
Haji Hasnul Hadi Ahmad
Unit Chief
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM), Putrajaya
