More Developed Countries Should Support Gaza Reconstruction Fund - Syed Ibrahim

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 30 (Bernama) -- The proposal to establish a fund for the reconstruction of Gaza and Palestine should involve more developed nations, in addition to ASEAN countries and members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Malaysian Parliament Caucus for Palestine chairman Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh said the participation of developed countries is crucial, as the cost of rebuilding Gaza, devastated by Zionist attacks since October 2023, is estimated to reach trillions of dollars.

“I believe it is best to involve a broader coalition of countries or regional blocs, including ASEAN and Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) .

"For instance, the European Union recently announced a €120 million humanitarian aid package for Gaza," he told Bernama when contacted today.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Malaysia and Japan had agreed to expedite efforts to rebuild Gaza through the Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD) initiative by establishing a special fund to support reconstruction efforts in affected areas.

The Prime Minister also said that Malaysia would lead efforts to build a school, hospital, and mosque in Gaza to help ease the suffering of the Palestinian people. This initiative will bring together government-linked companies (GLCs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the private sector, businesses, corporations, and the public.

Syed Ibrahim, who also chairs the Southeast Asian Parliamentary Caucus for Palestinian Liberation, urged all parties to support the government’s efforts to enable more development projects in Gaza.

"If possible, let’s make this a national support programme involving NGOs and the private sector so that more public facilities can be built, alongside agricultural and economic development projects," said the Ledang MP.

Meanwhile, Political Science senior lecturer at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Dr Jamaie Hamil, described Malaysia and Japan’s initiative to establish the special fund as a step that would accelerate the rebuilding of basic infrastructure in Gaza to assist the Palestinian people.

"This early planning could also serve as a model for Middle Eastern countries to follow in helping the affected Palestinian population," he said.

He added that the establishment of the special fund reflects Malaysia’s strong presence in the Asian and Middle Eastern regions, as well as its ongoing commitment to humanitarian efforts, which is supported by Prime Minister Anwar’s diplomatic engagements with international leaders.

Political analyst Dr G. Manimaran shared a similar view, stating that Malaysia’s ability to mobilise resources for Gaza’s reconstruction is a result of the country’s established regional cooperation.

Regarding Japan’s invitation for Malaysia to chair CEAPAD, Manimaran viewed it as an honour and recognition of Malaysia’s contributions to humanitarian missions.

"This is another opportunity for Malaysia to show the world that it can play a constructive role in rebuilding Gaza. It will also enhance Malaysia’s reputation as a country that consistently prioritises peace and humanitarian aid.

"As ASEAN chair this year, this is also a chance for Malaysia to elevate its international standing," he said.

-- BERNAMA