Gaza Reconstruction Malaysia Can Manage Both Domestic And International Needs

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Former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin (left) said he could not fathom the criticism levelled at the government’s initiative, as Malaysia could still manage both domestic and international needs simultaneously. PIC SCREEN GRAB FROM YT/KELUAR SEKEJAPKUALA LUMPUR: While some have questioned the prioritisation of international efforts over domestic needs, others argue that Malaysia has a responsibility to contribute to global humanitarian crises.
Former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin said he could not fathom the criticism levelled at the government's initiative, as Malaysia could still manage both domestic and international needs simultaneously.
"You can walk and whistle at the same time.
"A common criticism I often hear in government is that if we build a field hospital in Bangladesh for Rohingya refugees, people say, 'Why do that if we don't have enough hospitals here?' Why can't we do both?" he said in an episode of the Keluar Sekejap podcast.
He said since independence, Malaysia has been actively involved in humanitarian causes around the world.
A few years after gaining independence, the government sent the Malaysian army to participate in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Congo.
Khairy said this decision was made despite Malaysia's weak financial position as a newly independent country.
Meanwhile, former Umno Youth Deputy Chief Shahril Hamdan said the criticism stemmed from "a strong sense of togetherness" among certain quarters in the country, which only prioritised the country's needs.
He said if that approach had been taken, then the Palestinians would have been left without any help.
"This is a matter of solidarity; verbal support alone won't get us anywhere," Shahril said.
Earlier today, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan refuted claims that Malaysia was prioritising international aid over domestic issues, in response to criticisms regarding the country's efforts to assist in the reconstruction of Gaza.
He said Malaysia was fulfilling its international responsibility, as the country has consistently supported Palestine as an independent state from the very beginning. - NST

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