We were all humans until:
Religion separated us;
Politics divided us;
Wealth classified us; and
Race disconnected us.”
Anonymous
Saudara Anwar Ibrahim,
Syabas! Well done. Over the past few days, your words and deeds on the Hamas-Israel conflict (or war as some prefer to call it), were heard loud and clear by Malaysians.
The media reported every word of your gusto performance and television stations continue to broadcast excerpts of your views on the transgressions of the Israelis.
Little has been said about the atrocities of the other side and you conveniently omitted to mention the (mis) conduct.
I agree with Malaysians that it would be immoral to remain neutral in the face of the problems faced by the Palestinians but I believe that violence - whoever causes it - should never be condoned and must be condemned.
Saudara, the life of a Palestinian child is as precious as the life of an Israeli child - they are all humans. I believe that violence - whoever causes it - should never be condoned and must be condemned.
But what concerns Malaysians is your revelation that you were threatened by Western powers, particularly the US and Europe, for your outspoken advocacy for the Palestinian people.
“I have received much criticism, threats… they say you’ve picked the wrong side.
“Malaysia is a free and independent country. Malaysia will remain a sovereign nation that upholds freedom and the freedom of the Palestinian people,” Malaysiakini quoted you as saying.
But are these threats physical or economic? Are they real or imagined?
In Parliament yesterday, Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir did not reveal which countries were pressuring the premier despite requests from MPs.
“The minister should reveal which countries are brave enough to pressure and threaten the prime minister that we love.
“We are unable to accept that the prime minister is facing this, and must send a letter of objection to the relevant embassies (of said countries) that are (located) here,” Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (Perikatan Nasional-Pasir Mas) was reported as saying during a supplementary question in the Dewan Rakyat.
Saudara, while Malaysians are proud and happy that you have gone on the international stage with your strong words, they also argue that you must focus on more pressing issues at home.
If you devote the same zeal and determination and spend the same time and effort to domestic issues, many of the people’s problems will be alleviated, if not solved.
At a time when food prices are skyrocketing, a state agency, the Perak State Development Corporation wants to evict six farmers from their farms in Kanthan, which is in your constituency of Tambun.
The six farmers claimed that the land has been farmed by their parents and family members continuously since the 1940s, during the colonial period until today.
This is one of the many problems facing Malaysians. There has been no help for the hardcore poor and the recent report of a mother who goes for days without a meal so that her five children can have something to fill their stomachs.
There are hundreds of similar families who live hand to mouth and whose stories have yet to be told. There are many issues on the domestic front that have yet to be addressed despite the many election promises made a year ago.
Saudara, five years ago, you said: “Anak Melayu anak saya, anak Cina anak saya, anak India, Iban dan Kadazan anak saya.” What has happened?
Is there any difference between “anak” Israel and “anak” Palestine?
Coming back to the Israeli issue, after yet another skirmish in Gaza two years ago, I wrote what was aptly headlined “Our hypocrisy in confronting Israel”.
And I quote: “On the outset, it has to be said unequivocally and unambiguously - all right-thinking Malaysians abhor violence. This country has never been involved in any international armed conflict except as a mediator and peacekeeper.
“All forms of violence against fellow humans, especially innocent women and children, must be abhorred, condemned and loathed. No two ways about it.
“However, the current hysteria and hypocrisy must stop or strategies be revised. Over the past week, individuals and groups have been speaking out and showing their anger at what is happening in Gaza and rightly so.”
In the same article, despite the rhetoric and condemnation of Israel, quoting authoritative figures, I said there was a flourishing two-way trade with Israeli ships calling at Port Klang, Penang and Pasir Gudang.
“So, with all the rhetoric on ‘Jewish conspiracies’; ‘ban on Israeli goods’ and ‘boycott the oppressive regime’, trade (between the two countries) is thriving and growing too.
“What will the sloganeering politicians do about practising what they preach? Does lining the pockets of businesspersons take precedence over a principle and policy which this country has been advocating locally and internationally?”
Saudara, you have already said enough about what is happening elsewhere. Please divert your efforts to local issues where your input, advice and directives will help all Malaysians irrespective of colour, creed or religion. - Mkini
R NADESWARAN is a veteran journalist who writes on bread-and-butter issues. Comments: citizen.nades22@gmail.com.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.
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