MOE should educate students on sociopolitical issues

I refer to “Education Ministry rejects SDP request to discuss sociopolitical issues in schools” (Feb 13).

While schools should not be used by political parties to further their agendas, schools should not shield students from issues that concern our society and country, either.

An all-rounded education should provide students with good academic grounding and awareness of their social and political environment so these future citizens and leaders can bring Singapore to a higher level of development.

Schools and tertiary education centres are ideal places to discuss sociopolitical topics.

It is vital to appreciate that sociopolitical discussions need not be partisan. These discussions train our young to be sensitive to current affairs, policy issues and the challenges we face, and, more importantly, cultivate critical thinking and analysis on such issues.