Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed deep disappointment over the criticism aimed at the government's humanitarian effort to bring injured Palestinians from Gaza to Malaysia for medical treatment. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Southern Zone MADANI Rakyat programme in Skudai, Anwar shared his sadness at the backlash, particularly from those who went to extreme lengths to belittle this act of compassion.
"This was a small gesture of kindness towards people who have been suffering under Israel's genocidal actions in Gaza," Anwar said. "Yet, some have gone absurd as to suggest that I should instead become the Prime Minister of Palestine."
Anwar's remarks highlight the intensity of the criticism that has come his way for a move that he views as an essential act of humanity. Israel's ongoing military actions in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of countless civilians, with women and children among the most vulnerable. Amidst this, Malaysia's decision to offer medical assistance to those injured in the conflict was met with a level of hostility that the Prime Minister finds baffling.
"It is preposterous," he said, "that even some civil servants have succumbed to these criticisms instead of recognizing the importance of our actions. We should be proud that Malaysia is the first country in Asia to bring in injured Palestinians for treatment. This was a decision made collectively by our Cabinet and leaders in the Unity Government."
Anwar emphasized that this was not the first time Malaysia has extended a helping hand to those from war-torn regions. The country has previously provided refuge to hundreds of thousands of Rohingya and Achenese refugees, offering them protection until the turmoil in their home countries subsided. Yet, the Prime Minister was particularly troubled by the recent response to the Palestinian aid initiative, viewing it as a sign of diminishing empathy and understanding among some Malaysians.
Just recently, two Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Airbus A-400M aircraft successfully transported 41 injured Palestinians and 86 of their family members from Cairo, Egypt, to Malaysia. The mission, which was fraught with risk due to security concerns near the Egyptian border, was only possible due to the close relationships Malaysia maintains with Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries.
Responding to criticisms about the deployment of RMAF aircraft for this humanitarian purpose instead of using commercial flights, Anwar explained that the decision was driven by security risks. "We had to negotiate with the Egyptian government and adhere to their conditions, which included the use of military aircraft equipped for such missions," he said. "The aircraft could have been targeted by an Israeli missile, a risk everyone on board was fully aware of."
The Prime Minister's impassioned defense of the mission underscored the broader issue of how humanitarian efforts can become politicized. Anwar urged Malaysians to remain grateful for the peace and stability they enjoy and to remember the importance of extending help to those less fortunate, particularly the Palestinians who continue to suffer under the Zionist regime.
"This is the least we can do to help 40 or 50 injured Palestinians, compared to the 40,000 who have been brutally attacked and killed by Israel in Gaza? Let us be thankful that we still have the capacity to offer kindness and compassion."
Anwar's remarks serve as a poignant reminder that acts of humanitarianism, no matter how small, should not be overshadowed by criticism or cynicism. Instead, they should inspire unity and pride in a nation that has long stood as a beacon of compassion in the face of global suffering.
By: Kpost
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