Pkr Criticises Rafidah Over Remarks On Rebuilding Gaza

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PKR's Religious Understanding and Strengthening Department has criticised former international trade and industry minister Rafidah Aziz for questioning the government’s humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza.
In a statement, its director Amidi Abdul Manan said as an experienced figure in international relations, Rafidah (above) should not have made remarks that undermine Malaysia’s assistance to Palestinians.
“Israel has never yielded to international pressure, especially on the two-state solution, despite the United Nations resolutions. Rafidah’s statement is akin to waiting for the impossible,” he said, according to Bernama.
He added that the conditions set for Malaysia’s assistance to Palestinians are nearly impossible to fulfil, given the history of the conflict.
“The very existence of Israel is disputed. Malaysia has never recognised it, let alone sought a clear decision on land ownership in Palestine,” he said.
Amidi also highlighted the devastation in Gaza, adding that in the latest Hamas-Israel conflict, Zionist forces have indiscriminately attacked public facilities, including mosques, schools, and hospitals.
Amidi Abdul Manan“Perhaps she has not seen images of Eid prayers held amid the ruins of bombed buildings. Doctors have been arrested or killed when hospitals were bombed. Where is Tan Sri’s compassion?” he asked.
Malaysia recently announced the construction of Malaysia Wakaf City in Gaza, making it the first Asean country to initiate such a reconstruction effort.
The high-impact project, under the patronage of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, is expected to be launched after Ramadan.
‘Malaysia first’
Yesterday, Rafidah suggested that the government focus on addressing the issues in Malaysia first before rebuilding Gaza.
Among others, the former minister cited the “sad state” of rural schools which are often highlighted in the media.
“Also the inadequacies in our outlying government hospitals as well as places of worship,” she told Malaysiakini.
Rafidah also pointed out that the destruction in Gaza is upon “disputed land”, where entitlement to ownership has not been resolved.
“Until the relevant international arbitrating/deciding bodies have made clear, and indisputable decisions which must be adhered to, then any rebuilding efforts may come to naught.
“There will be continued tussle and fighting. And the rebuilding effort is futile,” she added. - Mkini

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