How diplomatic relations with Israel could help Malaysia and Palestine

I ask myself what benefits Malaysia would receive if it had diplomatic relations with Israel. One hundred and sixty-five countries, including Islamic countries, are currently benefitting from their relationship with Israel.

Are we just trying to show other countries that we are too “macho”?

Let’s be frank and not hypocritical. We can influence the Israeli government more by having diplomatic relations and by not being confrontational.

We must come to terms with the fact that Israel is technologically advanced and countries all over the world, big and small like India and China, are seeking a relationship with it and its technology.

The recent ban on Israeli athletes from participating in a swimming meet not only damaged Malaysia’s image internationally but strained relations between Sarawak and West Malaysia besides causing monetary loss.

We might want to play politics by bashing Israel locally to win votes in by-elections but it will never build a good image of Malaysia internationally, neither will it help the economy.

In an effort to distance Malaysia from Israel, aren’t we isolating ourselves from the rest of the world?

The government of Malaysia must realise that we cannot continue playing the same old politics while the world continues to march ahead with reality.

Malaysia may become instrumental in representing the Palestinian cause by negotiating, discussing and having a conversation with Israel.

The confrontational approach that we have adopted for decades helps neither Malaysia nor the Palestinian cause.

I urge the new government to take steps towards a fresh diplomatic approach in the international arena which will unite humanity instead of a confrontational approach that divides and doesn’t benefit Malaysia.

KT Maran is an FMT reader.