LONDON: The reconstruction of Gaza, which was almost entirely destroyed by Israeli attacks since October 2023, is estimated to cost over US$1 trillion (RM4.5 trillion), says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said that such a substantial amount is required because key facilities such as mosques, schools, hospitals and homes have been demolished.
“Some estimate the cost to be as high as US$1 trillion,” he told a press conference with Malaysian media, reported Bernama.
Anwar said Japan has invited Malaysia to co-chair the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development, focusing on Gaza’s reconstruction.
On Wednesday, it was reported that a three-phase ceasefire agreement, mediated by Egypt, the United States and Qatar, will take effect today, aiming to end the 15-month conflict in Gaza.
On Thursday, Anwar emphasised that while reconstruction is a priority, the loss of over 46,700 Palestinian lives and the displacement of more than two million people must also be acknowledged and never forgotten.
On another matter, Anwar said Malaysians abroad should not underestimate the technological advancement, expertise and talent available back home.
He said this is because global investors have continued to acknowledge the tech mastery available in Malaysia as many of them reinvest after years of doing business there.
Citing Infineon Technologies AG, Germany’s largest semiconductor manufacturer, Anwar said it had recently invested about RM27bil as it considers Malaysia to have the necessary level of expertise, technology and talent.
The Prime Minister also said there are about 140,000 foreign students pursuing their education in Malaysian universities.
Anwar said Malaysian companies such as YTL, EcoWorld, Sime Darby and Tenaga Nasional are also doing well in the United Kingdom and managed to win projects through open tenders.
He also said that students studying in the United Kingdom or other nations can remain and work in these countries to gain experience and acquire new technologies.
“In fact, JPA (the Public Service Department) is thinking of letting their scholars stay and learn if they are not urgently required back home,” he added.
