Humanitarian aid to Palestinians key component of Malaysia’s foreign policy
There has been backlash against the Malaysian government’s humanitarian efforts to provide medical treatment to Palestinians injured by Israel’s bombings.
Some have condemned this initiative out of ignorance, basing their opposition on assumptions rather than facts.
Critics argue that the resources used to aid injured, displaced, and homeless Palestinians could be better spent helping those in need within Malaysia, believing charity should begin at home. They assume this aid would deprive locals of essential financial and infrastructural support, suggesting the funds could be better utilised to improve healthcare, education, and other amenities.
This effort has also sparked parochial and chauvinistic reactions. An NGO in Sarawak, claiming to represent Sarawakians, urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim not to settle “Palestinian refugees” in Sarawak. These Palestinians are not refugees; they were brought here for medical treatment and will return to Egypt afterwards. The critics are making assumptions without understanding the humanitarian initiative, using it to advance their own sectarian or personal agendas.
Such attitudes are unfortunate in Malaysia and reflect ignorance of governance and international relations.
Humanitarian aid is a key aspect of our foreign policy and international engagement. Malaysia has consistently offered aid, within our means, to countries affected by natural disasters and conflict. We have participated in 39 peacekeeping operations under the United Nations banner and provided aid to countries devastated by natural disasters.
Malaysia housed Vietnamese refugees during the Vietnam War in several camps, including Sabah and Sarawak, with Pulau Bidong as the main camp in 1978. Today, we host Myanmar refugees, including Chins, Rohingyas, Panthays, and Rakhinese. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Malaysia handles legal refugees before they are repatriated to third countries. MERCY Malaysia, a non-profit organisation, offers health-related relief in conflict and non-conflict situations.
Since Merdeka, Malaysia has provided humanitarian aid to various countries in conflict and during natural disasters. Humanitarian aid is an essential element of Malaysia’s governance, international relations, and cooperation. Almost all countries offer such aid as part of a global response to wars, natural disasters, and genocide.
Malaysia’s aid to Palestine is part of our ongoing commitment to support displaced, tortured, and terrorised people. It is a continuous effort, not a one-off initiative.
Malaysian humanitarian aid transcends race, colour, creed, and religion. It reflects Malaysia’s international commitment to the global community to provide aid wherever and whenever it is needed.
These humanitarian initiatives have not constrained government spending on development or deprived Malaysians of their due benefits.
To those sceptics who oppose aid to Palestine and to those unaware of governance at local and international levels, it’s essential to understand that Malaysia is part of the global community, engaging in various cultural, educational, social, economic, and defence initiatives.
No man is an island.
The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent that of Twentytwo13.
