The rising tide of religious fundamentalism shows no sign of easing if recent viral images are anything to go by.
Malaysia has an extremism problem. This isn’t exactly breaking news, but the recent images that have spread on social media of schoolchildren and teachers toting toy guns at a school ahead of Palestine Solidarity Week expose how shamefully deep the issue runs.
With millions of Palestinians dead, the government’s idea of dedicating an entire week for schoolchildren to learn about the conflict and show their support was a good one on paper. I for one was never taught about the atrocities committed by Israel and its settlers in school. Looking back, I wish I was.
This week should have been an opportunity to teach them about one of the modern world’s most complex and fractured conflicts. Instead, it only raises questions about the people entrusted with guiding the next generation.