DAPSY Sarawak slams SUPP for entering schools in party uniforms during class time

George Lam

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 16: The youth wing of Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak has criticised members of Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) for wearing yellow party uniforms to enter schools during class hours, saying it disrupts students’ lessons and violates Ministry of Education (MOE) regulations.

DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Sarawak secretary George Lam urged MOE and Sarawak Education Department to thoroughly investigate and take action to ensure that political figures entering school compounds comply with MOE regulations.

Lam said this in a press statement after seeing photos of an activity posted on SUPP Batu Kawa Service Centre’s social media page, which allegedly were taken at SMK Batu Kawa, SM Min Lit and SMK Jalan Arang.

Citing SUPP as claiming to be distributing Sarawak flags in celebration of the upcoming Sarawak Independence Day on July 22, Lam questioned their intention, particularly their choice to appear in party uniforms, which gave the perception of bringing politics into school grounds.

“What is baffling is that the leader of this group is none other than the Deputy Premier of Sarawak and SUPP president (Datuk Amar) Dr Sim Kui Hian. Why did they choose to disrupt classes during school hours for such political activities?

“Why not choose a more appropriate occasion to promote Sarawak Independence Day? Do these actions of interacting with students while wearing party uniforms comply with the MOE’s regulations?” he questioned in his statement.

Lam, who is also a special assistant to Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii, pointed out that MOE’s first circular of 2023 clearly stated that any political figure entering school for any activity must provide notification in advance and adhere to specific regulations, especially prohibiting the wearing of clothing with political party logos or mascots.

“We are not against anyone promoting the love for Sarawak or the significance of Sarawak Independence Day on July 22, but these sentiments should not be influenced by political preferences, especially when they affect students who are diligently studying.

“Therefore, I urge SUPP leaders to think carefully before any actions to ensure that classroom and school activities are not repeatedly affected, returning a peaceful school environment to the teachers and students who are working hard, and not bringing politics into the campus,” he said. — DayakDaily