Former economy minister Rafizi Ramli has publicly criticized education minister Fadhlina Sidek for involving students in a birthday greeting for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
In a video that has gone viral, Fadhlina can be seen encouraging a group of students to chant, “Happy Birthday PMX, We Love You.” Anwar turned 78 on August 10.
Rafizi, a former PKR deputy president, expressed his dismay on X, stressing that schools should be free from politics. He urged Fadhlina, who is also the Wanita PKR chief, to not mix her personal interests with children’s education.
“Even if she truly loves Anwar and wants to show her loyalty, a simple statement from her would have been enough—there was no need to involve the students,” Rafizi wrote.
He warned that this action sets a dangerous precedent, where future education ministers might also use students to express loyalty to other leaders. “That should not happen—schools must not be used to spread political or personal views,” he added.
Rafizi, the MP for Pandan, also stated that by doing this, PKR members have forfeited their right to criticize other politicians for bringing political messages into schools.
Timing of Celebration Amidst Student’s Death Draws Scrutiny
Separately, the chairman of the Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia (PAGE), Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim, highlighted the problematic timing of the incident. She noted that the celebratory mood could be perceived negatively by the public, given the recent, unresolved death of a 13-year-old student, Zara Qairina Mahathir.
Zara Qairina, a Form 1 student, was found unconscious on July 16 after allegedly falling from her school hostel’s third floor in Papar, Sabah. She died the following day. Her death has sparked allegations of bullying, leading the Attorney-General’s Chambers to order her remains to be exhumed for a post-mortem. A task force from the Bukit Aman criminal investigation department has since been deployed to Sabah to take over the investigation.
The tragic incident has prompted hundreds of Sabahans to gather in protest, demanding justice for Zara. Civil society groups have also called on Putrajaya to establish an independent commission to investigate her death and other student bullying cases.
“The symbolism matters,” Noor Azimah said. “Public leaders are expected to show empathy, solidarity, and moral alignment with the mood of the people. In politics, perception often matters as much as intention. A joyful celebration amid grief risks appearing indifferent, which can erode trust and credibility.”
