Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivering his speech during the Disaster Fund Donation Ceremony at Kompleks Seri Perdana in Putrajaya. - IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PUTRAJAYA: The outpouring of aid for the victims of the earthquake in Turkiye and Syria reflects the level of compassion and humanity that Malaysians have, says the Prime Minister.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that it is not just the government that had extended aid, but also royalty, the business community and Malaysians at large.
"The calamity in Turkiye and Syria is one of the worst in world history, aside from the tsunami in Acheh that occurred in 2004," he said.
Anwar added that the assistance by Malaysia shows that the feeling of brotherhood goes beyond borders, race and religion.
He said this at an event to accept donations for the Disaster Fund, to be channeled to Turkiye and Syria.
A total of 16 corporations and business associations donated more than RM25mil to the fund.
He gave an example of how Malaysians look beyond borders and race to help, saying that the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCIM) had voiced their intention to donate even without being persuaded or prompted to do so.
"They volunteered to give US$1mil. This is Malaysia and what she stands for. That is why I resent the idea of people making it into parochial, communal and religious issues.
"This is a humanitarian effort to extend help to our brothers and sisters in the affected countries," he said.
The Prime Minister said he had decided to fly to Turkiye to give moral support to its president Recep Tayyip Erdogan as well as the people of the country.
"I was reluctant to go as we have already sent a SMART team and set up field hospitals there. But after speaking to the president at length, I can imagine how anxious and worried he is, knowing how difficult things are for the people," said Anwar.
"So, as a friend, I believe it is good for me to personally go there (Turkiye) for support," he added.
