Justifying Anwar’s call to rebuild Gaza

BY: SIM TZE TZIN

Many people questioned the priorities of the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his intention to help rebuild Gaza.

Prioritise Malaysia First. They said.

First, Let us go back to our history.

Malaysia, although a small country, has always contributed to international rebuilding efforts. For example, in Bosnia Herzegovina, Timor Leste and Aceh after the tsunami.

Malaysia also built a hospital for refugees in Cox Bazar Bangladesh.

Malaysia has always been part of international humanitarian community. We help each other. When we need help, other countries came to help us too.

When the war in Gaza is over, Malaysia should and must be part of the international rebuilding effort.

There will be many countries such as Japan, China, European and Arab countries participating in this process.

Anwar is making a right decision for Malaysia to show leadership in this rebuilding effort. This will elevate Malaysia’s international standing.

Secondly, when Malaysia was poor and developing, we received help from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), World Bank (US) and we received projects from One Belt One Road initiatives (China).

Today, Malaysia is no longer a backward poor country. In a few years, we are on track to achieve high income nation. Malaysia aspires to become a middle power nation.

Malaysia must now contribute to the development of the world. Although we will not be able to set up USAID with $50 billion annual budget or JICA or OBOR, but to help rebuild a small part Gaza is within our capabilities. After all, all major powers in the world will pour in their money to rebuild Gaza. Gaza will be the biggest international rebuilding effort.

Thirdly, a peace and stable Gaza is good for Malaysia in long term. Middle East has been called the powder keg of the world. If it is unstable it will threatens the oil price and shipping routes.

Malaysia cannot save the whole world, but we can definitely do a small part to help in Gaza. After all, We are part of this human race. Humanity is what defines us as a nation.

When a superpower like US is retreating from international duties, Anwar is showing rare leadership and commitment to international collaboration. The world needs leadership. We should support his efforts.


SIM TZE TZIN is Bayan Baru MP and PKR’s Bayan Baru division chief

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