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Kuala Lumpur: In a recent statement, former Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli advised Education Minister Fadhlina Siddiq to refrain from involving students in birthday celebrations for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. This comes amidst ongoing discussions surrounding the appropriateness of such gestures and the potential impact on the education system.

Rafizi, known for his direct and often critical commentary, believes that students' time and energy should be dedicated to their studies rather than participating in political or celebratory events. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a neutral and focused learning environment within schools.

“The focus should always be on education. Students need to concentrate on their studies and develop their skills. Getting them involved in birthday wishes for the Prime Minister, while seemingly harmless, can blur the lines and potentially politicize the education system,” Rafizi stated in a recent interview.

The controversy arose after images and videos circulated online showing students preparing and presenting a birthday greeting to Anwar during a school visit. While some viewed it as a harmless display of student enthusiasm, others raised concerns about the potential for undue influence and the appropriateness of involving minors in political displays.

This isn't the first time Rafizi has voiced concerns about the intersection of politics and education. He has consistently advocated for the independence of educational institutions and the need to shield students from unnecessary political interference. He argued that such interference can undermine the integrity of the education system and divert resources away from core educational priorities.

“We need to protect our schools from becoming platforms for political messaging. The priority should be ensuring that every student has access to quality education and the opportunity to reach their full potential,” he added.

Fadhlina Siddiq has yet to formally respond to Rafizi’s advice, but the issue has sparked a wider debate about the role of schools in national events and the boundaries of student participation in political activities. Experts in education policy are weighing in, suggesting guidelines for appropriate student engagement in public events, emphasizing the need for balance and the avoidance of any appearance of coercion or political endorsement.

The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance that must be struck between fostering student engagement and maintaining the neutrality and focus of the education system. Moving forward, it is crucial for policymakers and educators to carefully consider the implications of involving students in public events and to prioritize the core mission of providing a high-quality education for all.

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