Former minister Rafidah Aziz has suggested the government prioritise resolving domestic issues before committing to the mission of rebuilding Gaza.
Commenting on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement, she said while Gaza needs to be rebuilt and any intention to do so is commendable, there are also pressing issues back home.
HUMAN rights activist and lawyer Siti Kasim has taken a jibe at Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his over-zealousness in wanting to re-build Gaza – a gargantuan mission estimated to cost US$1 tril (RM4.5 tril).
With a tinge of sarcasm, she further reminded PMX that any re-construction of Gaza can only take place when the war has officially ended.
“But in wanting to be an international hero, our PMX has to make his intention to step into the frontline soonest possible,” she teased in a YouTube post.
“Have you forgotten that the war between Israel and Palestine (which started on Oct 7, 2023) has yet to end for both warring factions have only embarked on ceasefire?
“Whatever the case is, aren’t we proud of him for volunteering himself alongside Japan? I’ve previously mentioned that our PMX should be nominated as a Palestinian PM!”
On a more serious note, Siti Kasim reminded PMX and his Madani government to prioritise first the needs of Malaysians – the notion of charity should begin from home – especially in terms of healthcare and education for the Orang Asli folks in rural Sabah and Sarawak or poverty-stricken areas in the peninsular for that matter.
“It baffles me as to why PMX is so obsessed in portraying himself as an international hero for Gaza in particular,” fumed the Orang Asli advocate.
“Don’t forget that our hospitals are deprived of basic medical and equipment needs yet the Madani government is so busybody pumping money towards re-building Gaza when our taxpayers’ money can be out to better use by assisting the poor in Sabah, Sarawak or in the peninsular even in Kelantan.
“Before you ever think of becoming an international hero, first make yourself a national hero to Malaysians as we’re the ones who will cast our votes on you at the end of the day.”
Citing the incident of a 73-year-old pensioner went being told by the UiTM Hospital in Puncak Alam to buy his medication outside as it has run out of stock, Siti Kasim further told PMX to improve medical facilities in Malaysia first before harbouring any ambition to build hospital/s in Gaza.
“Many Malaysians are already irritated with his obsession to become a hero for Gaza … You can’t compare Malaysia with wealthy/affluent Japan (who wants to help re-construct Gaza),” she reminded.
“If our medical facilities are that of a First World standard, then by all means go ahead to help but as it is, many of our doctors have expressed dismay that their medical budget has been cut till they are at odds with what to do next.
“Amid concerns over our national debt level, the Madani government should prioritise handling of domestic matters first before looking abroad … look after your family members first before helping other households in line with the Malay proverb yang dikejar tak dapat, yang dikendong berciciran (a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush).”
Added Siti Kasim: “Stop doing all these nonsense … you need out vote for the Gazans are not going to vote for you.
“You may think that the Malays will back you for helping fellow Muslims but don’t forget that the Malays live in Malaysia and not Gaza … they will eventually realise that their well-being has been compromised at the expense of their PMX wanting to be a Muslim champion at global stage.”
Source : Focus
“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.
The Coverage Malaysia