Wednesday January 23, 2013
Visit hailed as a testimony of commitment to Palestine
By MAZWIN NIK ANIS
mazwin@thestar.com.my
PETALING JAYA: Both politicians and non-governmental organisations have described Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s historical visit to Gaza as a testimony of Malay- sia’s commitment to the Palestinian cause.
In congratulating the Prime Minister for being the country’s first head of government to make such a trip, they said Najib’s visit proved that Malaysia and its people were sincere in extending a helping hand to Palestine.
Perdana Global Peace Organisation adviser Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said Najib’s visit provided a huge morale boost for Palestinians trying to get recognition from the international community.
“The visit shows that we (Malaysia) put our money where our mouth is and not just provide lip service. Here, we have a head of government visiting a place that was a target of severe bombardment until recently,” he said, likening this to the one made by his father, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad, to Sarajevo during the Bosnian war in the 1990s.
Kota Belud MP Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan said Najib’s visit to Gaza renewed Malaysia’s unwavering commitment to Palestine and demonstrated that foreign relations were as important as domestic concerns.
“I join fellow Sabahans in expressing our support to the Prime Minister to play a bigger role in international peace process initiatives, such as Palestine-Israel and in the southern Thailand region,” he said.
Aqsa Sharif chairman Dr Hafidzi Mohd Noor said Najib carried the aspirations of millions of Malaysians who wished to see everlasting peace in Palestine. “With the United Nations now recognising Palestine as a state, this is an opportune time for Malaysia to engage in bilateral and economic ties and help its nation-building process,” he said.
Islamic Relief Malaysia country director Zairulshahfuddin Zainal Abidin said the visit had boosted the country’s image and reputation among Palestinians.
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