MANY people have questioned the priorities of the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, over 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 Bazaar, Bangladesh.
Malaysia has always been part of the 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. PMX is making the 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 got help from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), World Bank (US) and we get projects under the 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 status. 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 a $50 billion annual budget, or JICA or OBOR, but to help rebuild a small part Gaza is within our capabilities. After all, major powers in the world will pour in their money to rebuild Gaza. Gaza will be the biggest international rebuilding effort.
Thirdly, a peaceful and stable Gaza is good for Malaysia in the long term. The Middle East has been called the powder keg of the world. If it is unstable, it will threaten oil prices 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 the human race. Humanity is what defines us as a nation.
When superpowers like the US retreat from international duties, Anwar is showing rare leadership and commitment to international collaboration. The world needs leadership. We should support his efforts. – February 1, 2025
Sim Tze Tzin is Bayan Baru MP and first posted the above on X.