“PMX must respect freedom of Malaysians to voice opposition to his Palestinian obsession”

 

PRIME Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent remarks have exposed a troubling disconnect between his priorities and the needs of his own people.

While charity is a noble pursuit, it must begin at home. Yet, Anwar seems more focused on the plight of Palestinians, a cause that – while important – does not require Malaysia’s intervention at the expense of our own national interests.

By dismissing critics as “biadap” (rude), he has not only misjudged them but also done a disservice to those expressing genuine concerns.

Nobody in Sarawak or Sabah is against helping the Palestinians or questioning their need for medical assistance.

Our fellow Sarawakians and Sabahans are merely being straightforward, fulfilling their duty to voice legitimate concerns and fears. This is a matter of freedom of expression – a right that should be respected, not suppressed.

It is also important to note that there are no refugee camps in Sarawak or Sabah. East Malaysians are neither anti-Islam nor anti-Palestinian.

However, we demand that the federal government prioritise solving our own problems. With Malaysia currently facing significant challenges, the welfare of Malaysians must come first.

Championing futile cause?

Many Malaysians are also curious about the criteria used in selecting Palestinians for medical assistance. The lack of transparency in this process is deeply troubling.

Thousands of Palestinians left behind in Gaza are likely wonder why they didn’t make the grade. This issue has fuelled negative voices in the media which cannot be ignored.

Furthermore, it is highly irresponsible for some of Anwar’s supporters to silence critics by suggesting that their concerns could incite racial tensions between Malays and Chinese. Such rhetoric is not only baseless but also dangerously divisive.

PM Anwar, your obsession with pleasing the Muslim world is leading Malaysia down a precarious path.

This relentless focus on international issues, particularly the Palestinian cause, offers no tangible benefits to our nation’s economy and distracts from the urgent need to address poverty and suffering within Malaysia.

The global refugee crisis has shown that even the wealthiest nations, including those in Europe and the UK, struggle to manage such burdens.

Malaysia with its own set of economic challenges cannot afford to be dragged into a situation that these countries are barely handling.

Moreover, why are wealthy Muslim nations not stepping up to help their Palestinian brothers? Why should Malaysia bear a burden that more prosperous nations have sidestepped?

Anwar must explain why even neighbouring Egypt with over 6,000 hospitals has refused to treat Palestinian patients.

It is high time that the Madani government re-focuses on the needs of Malaysians by addressing the pressing issues at home before becoming entangled in international problems that do nothing to improve the lives of our citizens.

Anyway, Pakatran Harapan’s (PH) performance in the next national polls in Sabah and Sarawak will tell if the voices of the Borneon Territories on this issue are small. – Aug 27, 2024

 

Daniel John Jambun is president of Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia Foundation.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT

- Focus Malaysia