SEREMBAN: Kuala Lumpur is awaiting a response from Tokyo to bring forward a conference with a specific focus on rebuilding Gaza which is due to be held in July, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
The Foreign Minister said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has asked that the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (Ceapad) be brought forward.
"I have already contacted my Japanese counterpart on this and am waiting for a response.
"The conference will see countries which share a similar aim to rebuild Gaza come together and see how we can raise funds and plan for the purpose," he told reporters after handing over Chinese New Year ang pow to senior citizens in Paroi near here.
Ceapad is a regional conference framework initiated by Japan to support Palestinian state-building efforts by drawing on resources, knowledge, and experiences of economic development of the East Asian countries.
Japan has invited Malaysia to co-chair Ceapad to help rebuild Gaza.
Anwar had prior to this said the cost to rebuild Gaza which had been destroyed following Israeli attacks since October 2023 is estimated to cost over US$1 trillion (RM4.5 trillion).
Mohamad also expressed hope that a temporary ceasefire agreement in Gaza mediated by Egypt, the United States and Qatar will become permanent.
The agreement, which took effect on Sunday (Jan 19) is aimed at ending the 15-month conflict in Gaza.
"We very much welcome the 42-day (first stage) ceasefire to stop the killings but hope this becomes permanent so that we can rebuild Gaza.
"It is also our hope that this will eventually lead to Palestine becoming an independent nation, a move also supported by the majority of United Nation member countries," he said.
Mohamad said the temporary ceasefire has also allowed hundreds of aid containers stuck at Egypt's Rafah border to be taken into Gaza.
On a separate matter, Mohamad said the Cabinet will discuss a plan by recently inaugurated United States president Donald Trump to impose trade tariffs on imports.
He said Malaysia, being one of the US' trade partners, will be slightly affected by the move.
"Since we export electronics and electrical items to the US, we will also be affected.
"Wisma Putra is looking at this and the matter will be discussed in Cabinet,"he added.
Earlier, Mohamad who is also Rembau MP, distributed ang pow to 815 senior citizens above the age of 70 and donations to non-governmental organisations, places of worship and a school totalling more than RM200,000.
"I have been making it a point for several years now to assist senior citizens during major festivals including during Hari Raya and Deepavali so that they too can celebrate like others," he added.