PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is set to make history as the first Asean country aiding efforts to rebuild Gaza, says a Selangor lawmaker.
Lembah Jaya assemblyman Syed Ahmad Syed Abdul Rahman also urged Malaysians to throw their support behind the effort.
“This reflects Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s commitment in fighting for human rights on the global stage.
“It also reflects Malaysia’s position as a country respected by the international community, especially since the project will not only aid efforts in rebuilding Gaza but also promote a unique and innovative charitable endowment (waqaf),” he said in a statement on Friday (Jan 31).
Syed Ahmad said independent funds and corporate donations are used for the project, symbolising the trust from various sectors towards Malaysia’s ability and sincerity.
“It reflects Malaysia Madani which upholds humanity and solidarity with Palestine.
“We are no longer at the phase of just waving Palestine flags but instead ready to help our brethren who are now recovering,” he said.
He urged the public to not be influenced by criticism of certain quarters that may be jealous of the Prime Minister's recognition, to the point of downplaying Malaysia’s efforts in helping rebuild Gaza.
“Put polemics aside and support efforts that benefit all. This aid will not make us poorer but is instead an investment for the betterment of others,” he said.
Prime Minister Anwar had previously said Malaysia would assist in developing several public amenities under the East Asia cooperation to reconstruct war-torn Gaza.
It will be through a joint effort between Japan and Malaysia, which intends to set up and launch a fund through East Asian activities, namely the East Asian countries programme for the reconstruction of Gaza (Conference on Cooperation among East Asia countries for the Palestinian Development (CEAPAD).
"We will start with the construction of a school, a hospital and a mosque as part of our effort through sacrifice of the community and rakyat," Anwar said.
On Jan 10, Anwar expressed Malaysia's full support for Japan's initiative to organise CEAPAD this July to reconstruct Gaza.
Anwar said the initiative is for Malaysia and Muslims as a whole.
