Anwar slams critics who questioned Malaysia's effort to rebuild Gaza

IPOH: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has hit out at those questioning Malaysia's move to assist in the rebuilding of Gaza.

Without singling out anyone, Anwar said several parties, including a former national leader, had made sarcastic remarks on the government's effort to reconstruct Gaza through the Malaysia Wakaf City project.

Anwar stressed that Islam is not about differentiating or marginalising people when it comes to providing assistance to those in need

"Some say it is (the effort undertaken by the government to help with the reconstruction of Gaza) not enough...

"There were also those who claimed that we are not serious... (This project is) worth hundreds of millions.

"Then, there are those who think they are wise. A former leader once said, 'Even our schools are not complete, yet we want to help others,'" Anwar said during an event at Al-Muttaqin Mosque, Taman Meru, here today

"If we help another village, people might say, 'Your own village isn't done yet,' but in Islam, we never think that way," Anwar added.

His comments followed criticism from former international trade and industry minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, who questioned the government's humanitarian efforts in Gaza.

Anwar, who is also Tambun member of Parliament, said Malaysia must take the initiative to bring about change in easing the burden of the people in Gaza.

He added that through the Malaysia Wakaf City project, Malaysia will build a school, a hospital, and a mosque in Gaza to help alleviate the suffering of the people there.

Anwar also said the Malaysian and Japanese governments have also agreed to rebuild Gaza through the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD).

"Since World War II, this has been the most devastating catastrophe to befall both Muslims and humanity. Their land is completely obliterated, and they continue to face humiliation.

"Children, women, and schools have been wiped out, and when we try to help, even in small ways, what is their response? 'Oh, we should focus on solving our own problems.'

"Problems within our own country will never be fully resolved, not even until the end of time, as there will always be shortcomings.

"At the very least, we are doing something by contributing to the Gaza redevelopment," he said.

On Jan 29, Anwar announced that Malaysia would spearhead efforts to rebuild Gaza by constructing a school, a hospital, and a mosque as part of its commitment to Palestinian redevelopment.

The initiative, Anwar said, would be carried out with public support and collaboration from the private sector.

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