SHAH ALAM - A noticeable split has emerged within PKR following a public statement by 12 of its representatives challenging the Education Ministry's recently concluded Palestine Solidarity Week, held in schools and educational institutions.
Insider reports suggested a rift caused by the representatives that issued a statement not in sync with the party's top brass.
PKR's leadership had reportedly imposed a gag order on its members, including state representatives and Federal lawmakers, to refrain from discussing the issue.
Attempts to contact PKR leaders and members for comments on the matter were unsuccessful.
When prodded for their take by Sinar Daily, several prominent figures in PKR decided to play it safe.
"I really shouldn't speak to this right now. No comment for the time being," a PKR MP hesitated.
"We've been instructed not to speak or debate this publicly," echoed a party assemblyman.
The controversy intensified as Pas through its secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, criticised the PKR faction's choice of words like 'vengeance', 'hatred', and 'violence' which he argued could be misconstrued.
The Kota Bharu MP recognised some concerns regarding the programme's content but dismissed the necessity for its cancellation.
The 12 dissenting voices from PKR, including prominent members such as Gopeng MP Tan Kar Hing and Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung, on Oct 28 demanded a review of the Palestine Solidarity initiative, advocating for educational spaces devoid of 'hatred and violence'.
The call for review came in the wake of images circulated on Oct 27 that depicted schoolchildren with toy guns and Palestinian solidarity symbols.
Contrasting with the views of the 12, the Penang PKR Women's wing voiced support for the continuation of the Palestine Solidarity Week.
Its chief, Nurhidayah Che Rose, firmly believed Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek should resist the pressure to halt or reassess the programme.
It was reported on Monday that a total of RM9.2 million was collected for the Palestinian Humanitarian Fund during the Palestine Solidarity Week from Oct 29 to Nov 3.