KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 31 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisation (MAPIM) is confident that Malaysia can continue its humanitarian efforts abroad without compromising the welfare of its citizens.
Its president Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid said Malaysia has long demonstrated the ability to balance addressing domestic challenges while providing aid to the international community.
"The government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have successfully implemented various welfare initiatives locally while continuing to assist countries in crisis.
"Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysia was able to support humanitarian missions abroad without neglecting the well-being of its citizens," he said in a statement today.
Last Wednesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced Malaysia’s initiative to build a school, hospital, and mosque in Gaza as part of efforts to help rebuild the war-torn region.
Mohd Azmi stressed that rebuilding schools in Gaza is crucial due to the severe destruction of infrastructure, which far exceeds the challenges faced by Malaysia’s education system.
"Although rural schools in Malaysia still face infrastructure and facility shortages, the situation here is far better than in Gaza, where many schools have been completely destroyed by ongoing attacks.
"In Malaysia, students still have access to school buildings, teachers, and basic facilities. In Gaza, however, thousands of students have lost their schools, disrupting their education entirely," he said.
He added that humanitarian concerns transcend borders, and as a nation that upholds human rights and Islamic solidarity, Malaysia has a moral obligation to assist Palestinians suffering from war and oppression.
Malaysia has also been a strong advocate for Palestinian rights, and reducing support for Gaza could undermine the country’s diplomatic influence and affect ties with other Islamic nations.
Mohd Azmi further added that aid for Gaza does not rely solely on government funds, as many NGOs and individuals are ready to contribute voluntarily.
“With proper channels, this support will not burden the national economy,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
