Unwarranted to question government’s commitment to aid Palestinians

KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s commitment to bringing 41 injured Palestinians, along with their relatives, to Malaysia for treatment should not be questioned by anyone, as it is done on humanitarian grounds.

According to Bernama, Kamarul Zaman Shaharul Anwar, CEO of Humanitarian Care Malaysia Berhad (MyCARE), stated that although the government’s effort may seem small, it indirectly raises global awareness about the hardships faced by the Palestinian people.

“This is not a religious issue but rather a humanitarian one. If you consider it, these people have no country… they have nothing to receive help for, especially regarding health, to return to normal life.

“Malaysia, as a nation, should assist out of humanitarian concern. There is no other institution helping, so what is wrong with Malaysia offering help with its available resources?” he told Bernama.

Kamarul Zaman added that Malaysians need not worry as the country always prioritizes its citizens in distress, providing assistance through various channels and government initiatives.

“In Malaysia, regardless of how difficult the situation is, there is significant help from the government, NGOs (non-governmental organizations), and religious councils, whether Islamic, Christian, or otherwise. The Palestinians have nothing.

“If there are groups wanting the government to focus solely on Malaysians, that assistance is already in place. So, this is a small effort we can make to show the world that we are trying to educate the global community that something needs to be done to support and help the Palestinians,” he said.

He also mentioned that there is no issue of the Palestinians brought to Malaysia not wanting to return to their homeland, as their spirit to liberate their country from the Zionist regime remains strong.

This view is supported by Muhammad Nadir Al-Nuri Kamaruzaman, CEO of Cinta Gaza Malaysia, who stated that questioning the government’s action of removing Palestinians from their homeland, which they are supposed to defend, is inappropriate.

“The dispute is unwarranted as our brothers and sisters there are indeed in desperate need of help. There is no issue of removing Palestinians from their homeland, which they should defend, because the individuals we are helping are already in Egypt and are injured and unable to do anything.

“Furthermore, what the government is doing is a sign of compassion and humanity that could elevate our country on the global stage. It is also a form of ‘soft diplomacy,’ which is diplomacy through humanitarian efforts,” he said.

On August 16, two Airbus A-400M aircraft from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) safely brought injured Palestinians and their relatives to Subang Air Base, Selangor.

However, Malaysia’s noble effort has faced criticism from some quarters, which has disappointed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Meanwhile, Bader Syam, Chairman of the Palestinian Cultural Organization Malaysia (PCOM), stated that the purpose of bringing Palestinians to Malaysia is solely for medical treatment and not for permanent residence.

“We are loyal to our homeland and are working and fighting to return and liberate Palestine from the Zionist occupation,” he said, adding that the presence of the Palestinians is temporary, and they will return once their treatment is complete.

He also shared the deep gratitude of the Palestinian people, who have endured significant suffering but continue to persevere.