KUALA LUMPUR – Do not use the ongoing Israel-Gaza war to fan religious and racial sentiments among Malaysians, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim amid allegations from some quarters who oppose Malaysia’s solidarity with Palestine.
In addressing concerns that Malaysia’s support may go against its stance on neutrality, Anwar told the Dewan Rakyat today that the issue should be viewed in a humanitarian and historical context.
“I urge all Malaysians – irrespective of race and religion – to view this matter in a historical and humanitarian manner. Malaysia rejected British colonialism, we were against it together. Why are we lenient when it comes to Israeli colonialism in Palestine?” he said during the prime minister’s question time today.
“Certain quarters say we are too harsh or contradicting our neutrality. Yes, Malaysia champions neutrality, but not when it comes to cruelty and when thousands of children are massacred.
“Even Ireland, Brazil, China are seeing it as a humanitarian issue.”
As such, Anwar reiterated his support for the Education Ministry’s Palestine Solidarity Week programme, which encourages students to be educated about the ongoing war.
He added that the programme is meant to provide insight into history, humanity, and dispossession, not to incite hatred.
Anwar also gave an example of how people were united in supporting then South African president Nelson Mandela’s fight against apartheid, which was a polarising issue.
“Previously, there were doubts about apartheid. But now, we no longer have doubts that it was violent.”
Yesterday, the Education Ministry said the solidarity programme must not have “extremist rhetoric”, blaming other religions, or manipulation of facts, among the “don’ts”.
Minister Fadhlina Sidek also urged schools to focus on humanity and advocate understanding by underscoring the importance of peace and not violence.
Last week, Anwar said programmes held in schools nationwide to promote solidarity with Palestine must be properly managed amid reports that some school students and teachers had waved around toy guns as part of the programme. – October 31, 2023