Ramasamy: M'sia's humanitarian aid should not be abused

Malaysia’s humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians is a noble and commendable effort, but it must not be taken for granted or abused, said former Penang deputy chief minister P Ramasamy.

In a statement today, he said that the government under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had gone to great lengths to highlight the Palestinian cause on the international stage, including offering medical assistance to injured Palestinians and facilitating their families' arrival in Malaysia so they could be close to their loved ones.

“This humanitarian outreach is praiseworthy, and one can only hope that other nations will demonstrate similar compassion and empathy for the Palestinians, who have been dispossessed of their homeland by Israeli aggression.

“That said, recent incidents involving some Palestinians in Malaysia raise concerns about the potential misuse of the country’s humanitarian goodwill,” he said.

Ramasamy, who now represents Urimai, referred to the recent clash between several Palestinians and security personnel at Wisma Transit Kuala Lumpur, saying that it cast a shadow over the assistance provided. 

“While the incident may have been the work of a few individuals, it nevertheless calls into question the oversight and management of those receiving aid. 

“It is imperative that the government ensures such actions do not undermine Malaysia’s humanitarian efforts.

“Attempts to dismiss the incident as isolated are insufficient,” added Ramasmay.

He said that the government must take responsibility and ensure that those receiving assistance understand the importance of respecting the hospitality and support extended to them. 

“Otherwise, this could set a dangerous precedent, discouraging future humanitarian initiatives both for the Palestinians and others in need.

“Malaysia’s generosity should be upheld, but it must also be safeguarded from being taken advantage of,” he said.

Deportation is nonsense

Yesterday, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that the disturbance cannot be used as an excuse to send all Palestinians back home.

He said it did not make sense for the government to do so as their country is embroiled in war and urged Malaysians not to come to any general conclusions based on the incident and blame all Palestinians.

“What’s important is that we seek solutions on how we can use existing laws with their presence here.

“The Home Ministry is ready to cooperate as the related acts (for them to be in the country) are under our jurisdiction. It depends on the type of suitable pass for them to be here,” he said.

Palestine’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Walid Abu Ali, also condemned the viral incident, which involved two Palestinian women, saying it did not reflect the conduct of Palestinians in general.

Following the incident, staff from the embassy visited the centre and met with its security officials as well as the Palestinians involved to resolve the matter, he said, going on to apologise to all Malaysians.

Limited role

Addressing the ongoing violence in Palestine, Ramasamy also said that Malaysia, though a committed ally to the Palestinian cause, lacked the geopolitical influence to directly affect the course of the Middle-East conflict.

“Anwar may have close ties with the Hamas leadership, but these ties have limited diplomatic reach, especially given that Hamas is designated as a terrorist organisation by both the United States and Europe.

“This relationship may strain Anwar’s rapport with Western powers, reducing his influence in advocating for a political resolution,” he said.

He added his belief that, realistically, Malaysia’s role is limited to providing public statements of support and offering humanitarian aid, such as medical assistance to injured civilians. 

“However, the government does not have the capacity to provide more substantial resources or solutions to the conflict.

“Critically, Malaysia’s humanitarian efforts are often viewed through the lens of religion. The fact that the majority of Palestinians are Muslims plays an important role in shaping the government’s policies.

“However, it is important to note that the Palestinian struggle is not merely a religious issue but one that concerns the fight for an independent and dignified homeland,” said Ramasamy.

Issue involving Palestinians at transit centre resolved - envoy

LETTER | Gaza: International community must assume its responsibilities

COMMENT | One year of war in Gaza

BDS Malaysia: Eight grilled by cops on Caterpillar protest

Missile strikes against Israel based on legitimate rights: Iran

Iran fires dozens of missiles at Israel-occupied Palestine