Murid enggan duduk sebelah rakan lain agama, dakwa Ahli Parlimen

Sarawak MP Willie Mongin has expressed concern over the lack of religious tolerance among children, citing cases where primary school students refuse to sit next to peers of different faiths. Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, Mongin said that a recent teacher complained about the increasing difficulty of educating today's young generation. He recounted examples where children have reportedly said they "don't want to sit next to them because they eat pork" or "don't want to sit next to them because they wear a cross."

Mongin warned that if left unchecked at the primary level, this issue could escalate into a serious problem. He asked the National Unity Minister about measures the government is taking to strengthen digital literacy and critical thinking, alongside promoting religious tolerance and understanding, particularly among youths and children.

Mongin stressed that such initiatives are crucial to curb the spread of misinformation, stereotypes, and provocative content before they fuel social conflict and controversies related to the three R's (race, religion, and the royal institution).

In response, National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang clarified that a comprehensive whole-of-government approach is being taken to address these sensitive issues. He emphasized that the approach must start at the earliest level, in schools, where children interact with one another regardless of race, religion, or culture. Dagang also referenced the Internet Safety Campaign by the Communications Ministry, which promotes responsible internet usage and social media practices, as well as the National Information Centre's (Nadi) role through its 1,097 branches nationwide.

According to Dagang, the National Unity Ministry also implements various programs through its integrated departments. These include education and unity-building programs like the Unity Integration Program, Student Integration Network, Harmony Footsteps, Youth Journey, and Harmony Dialogue. He stated that all these initiatives aim to ensure children and youths interact appropriately and foster a sense of unity.