IPOH: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has defended Malaysia’s decision to help Gaza amid criticism questioning the country's priorities.
"Recently, I announced the Wakaf Gaza initiative.
"As a small country, we started by contributing what we could and also received cooperation from the Prime Minister of Japan Shigeru Ishiba," he said before prayers at Masjid Al-Muttaqin here on Friday (Jan 31).
"I do not want the importance of justice and humanity to be overlooked. We said we will start by building one school, one hospital and one mosque.
"Some people say it is not enough, claiming we are just playing games.
"Then, some argue that our (own) schools (need attention), yet we want to help others," he said.
He said these sentiments reflected the hearts of people.
"When we help other villages, some may ask, what about our village? But in Islam, we are not taught to think that way," he said.
Anwar pointed out that the unimaginable suffering faced by the people of Palestine was the most devastating catastrophe to befall the Muslim community and humanity since World War II.
He said their homes have been destroyed, they have been robbed of their dignity, and entire families have been obliterated.
"When we try to help even a little, the response we get is, ‘fix our own problems first.’
"But there will always be problems at home. Even if we had all the time in the world, they will never be fully resolved. However, we can still do something (for others who need help), no matter how small.
"That is why... we must first strengthen ourselves. We must... unite to uplift our dignity, strengthen our economy, our military and the quality of our education. We need to improve our education and healthcare systems.
"Otherwise, no matter how much we shout or curse, there will be no change unless it starts within our homes and our country," he added.
Anwar said this was why the unity government components worked tirelessly on developing the country.
"But it must be balanced development that emphasises values, compassion and mercy.
"We cannot allow development to destroy human values. Building factories, warehouses, and mega-projects is not enough if the people are not cared for.
"The values and ethics of people should not be neglected.
"I hope we all understand why we need to return to these principles," said the Tambun MP.
Anwar also announced that RM24mil will be allocated to expedite repairs on flood-hit infrastructure in Sabah and Sarawak.
