Malaysia is set to make history as the first ASEAN country to develop a Wakaf City in Gaza through the Malaysia-Gaza Wakaf City Project, with an estimated cost of RM120 million. - YouTube screengrab, February 4, 2025
Rebuilding Gaza: Noble intentions but priorities in the right place? – T. Vignesh
Is the Government distracted by the Palestinian cause and neglecting its own people?
T. Vignesh
4 February, 2025
9:00 PM MYT
THE intention to aid war-torn Gaza is indeed a noble humanitarian cause, but the Prime Minister should look closer to home which has no shortage of everyday issues to resolve.
Recently, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had announced Malaysia’s plans to help rebuild Gaza, which after more than a year of relentless bombings and genocidal military campaigns has been almost completely decimated by the Zionist Israeli regime.
Latest numbers indicate over 61,000 dead – over 50% of whom are women and children; and 14,000 still missing – presumably beneath the rubble.
Being a leader of an exemplary Muslim nation, Anwar has indeed been vocal about the atrocities of the US- backed Israeli regime without holding back bold statements on the matter during his visits abroad.
While it is good to have an empathetic leader, many have been asking if Anwar’s compassion is misplaced and if it’s at the expense of his fellow Malaysians?
Most recently, Malaysians were treated to a sneak peek of a blueprint to build a complex comprising schools, medical facilities and residential units, as a grand humanitarian plan for the Palestinians.
But is this the right time to plan to rebuild Gaza when there appears to be no end to the war? Yes, despite the existing ceasefire, can we trust the Israelis to hold their end of the bargain, or can Hamas resist re-igniting the fire?
The conflict in Gaza is far from over. A ceasefire doesn’t guarantee lasting peace. The potential for renewed violence is real, and it’s crucial to acknowledge that any rebuilding efforts could be interrupted.
Rebuilding Gaza: Noble intentions but priorities in the right place? – T. Vignesh
Is the Government distracted by the Palestinian cause and neglecting its own people?
T. Vignesh
4 February, 2025
9:00 PM MYT
THE intention to aid war-torn Gaza is indeed a noble humanitarian cause, but the Prime Minister should look closer to home which has no shortage of everyday issues to resolve.
Recently, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had announced Malaysia’s plans to help rebuild Gaza, which after more than a year of relentless bombings and genocidal military campaigns has been almost completely decimated by the Zionist Israeli regime.
Latest numbers indicate over 61,000 dead – over 50% of whom are women and children; and 14,000 still missing – presumably beneath the rubble.
Being a leader of an exemplary Muslim nation, Anwar has indeed been vocal about the atrocities of the US- backed Israeli regime without holding back bold statements on the matter during his visits abroad.
While it is good to have an empathetic leader, many have been asking if Anwar’s compassion is misplaced and if it’s at the expense of his fellow Malaysians?
Most recently, Malaysians were treated to a sneak peek of a blueprint to build a complex comprising schools, medical facilities and residential units, as a grand humanitarian plan for the Palestinians.
But is this the right time to plan to rebuild Gaza when there appears to be no end to the war? Yes, despite the existing ceasefire, can we trust the Israelis to hold their end of the bargain, or can Hamas resist re-igniting the fire?
The conflict in Gaza is far from over. A ceasefire doesn’t guarantee lasting peace. The potential for renewed violence is real, and it’s crucial to acknowledge that any rebuilding efforts could be interrupted.
Despite the ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as reported by foreign media, vowed to destroy Hamas while the Palestinian Authority is ready to confront Hamas.
Israel has also continued its offensive, albeit in Jenin.
While rebuilding Gaza might seem premature, it’s important to remember that Malaysia’s commitment to helping Palestine is a long-standing one. Anwar’s vocal stance against Israeli actions and his willingness to support the Palestinian people play a role in international efforts towards a peaceful resolution, especially now with its Chairmanship of ASEAN.
Japan has since invited Malaysia to co-chair the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD) on Gaza’s redevelopment which will cost an estimated USD $1 trillion (RM4.46 trillion).
With the economy still unstable and basic necessities still a struggle to many Malaysians, it is understandable if Anwar’s focus on Palestine makes Malaysians feel that they are not the favoured child.
Anwar wants to build a hospital in Gaza when medical facilities in Sabah and Sarawak are still primitive – if it is not an exaggeration to say so.
While highlighting the cause of the Palestinians, the Government needs to also focus on domestic problems, addressing poverty, inequality and jobless youth, among others – issues which are still very real even after two years of the Madani administration.
The need to champion the Palestinians cause cannot be at the expense of Malaysians.
Two years ago, the Government announced a donation of RM100 million in taxpayers’ money in aid of Gaza. The government also flew in injured Palestinian war victims to receive medical treatment.
We took care of them, only to see them create a scene at the placement centres due to their restricted movements.
While our common humanity requires us to speak up against genocide, we must also ensure that it is not done at the expense of our own. – February 4, 2025
T. Vignesh is the executive editor at Scoop.
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