Singaporean TikToker calls for MOE apology over Israel-Gaza CCE Lessons

SINGAPORE: Singaporean TikToker Jay has recently shared his perspectives on the Israel-Hamas Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) lessons delivered by Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE).

In a 14-minute video posted on TikTok on 27 February, Jay discussed his views on the MOE’s Israel-Hamas education lessons.

He expressed the belief that these lessons would have avoided backlash from parents if there had been a prior discussion with the students’ parents.

Jay clarified that he does not oppose the idea of teaching these lessons to students in schools.

Moreover, he concurred with the four primary objectives of the CCE lessons, which aim to promote “Understanding Emotions and Empathy, Safeguarding Cohesion and Harmony, Responsible Information Sharing, and Respecting Diverse Views.”

Lack of parental consultation raises concerns

Jay highlighted the importance of MOE discussing the Israel-Hamas education lessons with parents before initiating them.

He mentioned that parents are not blaming the schools and teachers for teaching these lessons, as they are simply doing their jobs.

Jay quoted Education Minister Chan Chun Sing, who emphasized that parents should trust the schools and teachers.

However, Jay questioned why MOE did not extend the same trust to parents to openly discuss the issue before deciding to teach the lesson.

“Did you not feel you should have discussed this with the adults, the parents, or you guys prefer to speak to children because you can control them, you can control your narratives and they won’t ask questions.” he said.

Jay, acknowledging that Education Minister Chan Chun Sing discussed each step with Second Minister for Education Maliki Osman, questioned why the ministry did not anticipate the backlash from parents once the lessons commenced.

He also critiqued the date used in the lesson slides, which began on 7 October 2023.

Jay argued that discussing the affairs of Palestine and Israel without providing historical context was unfair.

“Did you not think it was unfair to speak about the history between the two nations without speaking about their history?” he asked.

Lessons from Malaysia’s approach

Drawing a comparison, Jay shared an example from Malaysia, where a friend with a son attending a British International school in Kuala Lumpur was informed about similar lessons on the Israeli-Palestinian issue beforehand.

According to Jay, his friend took proactive steps by requesting the lesson plan from the school board.

He made it clear that if he did not agree with the lesson plan, he would withdraw his son from the classes.

Furthermore, Jay mentioned that the school was described as “crystal clear” in its presentation of the events and history related to the Palestinians and Israelis.

The absence of important details in CCE lesson slides

Jay highlighted significant omissions in the presentation, noting that crucial topics such as the ongoing genocide and humanitarian crisis in Gaza were absent from the slides.

He emphasized that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) had characterized the situation in Gaza as a plausible genocide.

Jay suggested that the CCE lessons should have incorporated this term to provide a more comprehensive understanding.

Continuing his critique, Jay raised the hypothetical scenario of opposition members of parliament addressing the same issue.

He questioned what actions would have been taken against them, alluding to potential repercussions.

Referring to the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA), Jay urged the ministers involved to take responsibility for their decisions.

He pointed out the need for accountability in light of the controversial educational content.

Additionally, Jay expressed bewilderment as to why Minister Chan did not offer an apology.

He suggested that even a simple acknowledgment of the issue would have been appropriate.

Advocacy for Palestinian assistance

Jay expressed his belief that the Ministry should have addressed and discussed these issues, suggesting that there may be individuals, including the Minister, who are unaware of the situation in Palestine and Gaza.

He drew a comparison to the attention given to conflicts such as Ukraine and Russia, questioning why the same level of concern was not shown for the situation in Palestine and Israel.

Jay explained that while people sympathize with the victims of war in Ukraine, there is a notable difference in the level of aid and support received.

He pointed out that Ukraine has received arms supplies to defend against Russia, along with aid.

In contrast, Jay highlighted the challenges faced by Palestinians, noting that some aid intended for them does not reach them due to Israeli blockades.

Jay suggested that the government should take a leading role by making a clear statement from the outset, indicating efforts to engage with the Israeli government or Hamas to address the situation.

He advocated for a focus on humanitarian efforts rather than political involvement.

Jay then expressed the view that the approach should have been centered on providing assistance to Palestinians, emphasizing the need to concentrate on humanitarian aid efforts.

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Minister Chan addresses concerns on CCE educational content

On 25 February, Minister Chan had a media interview to response to the concerns from parents and the Singaporean community about the educational content of CCE.

He clarified that the class is not intended to function as a history lesson nor to assign blame to any party involved.

He emphasized that MOE aims to cultivate a culture where students learn to respond responsibly.

He added that the curriculum encourages students to appreciate the diversity of views and acquire the skills to conduct conversations with sensitivity and respect.

It is noteworthy that his media response did not specifically address parents’ concerns about the alleged suppression of alternative viewpoints on the Gaza conflict.

Minister Chan limits social media engagement amid education backlash

Minister Chan restricted comments on his official Instagram account amid the Ministry of Education (MOE) facing parental backlash over the education content related to the Gaza conflict.

Noticing that comments are still being posted on Mr Chan’s Instagram account despite later limitations, some netizens are questioning why parents were not involved or consulted when MOE was planning the CCE lessons.

Netizens also voiced dissent on Minister Chan’s Facebook page, expressing disagreement with the controversial CCE lesson.