INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY DAY: MALAYSIA'S EFFORTS TO DEFEND PALESTINE DESERVE TO BE APPRECIATED

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- Malaysia continues to be one of the most vocal countries in voicing the Palestinian issue on the international stage, with efforts that deserve to be appreciated and which set an example for the world community.

The director of the Centre for Shariah Law and Politics Studies, Malaysian Institute of Islamic Understanding, Dr Nik Roskiman Abdul Samad, said Malaysia's approach, including helping Afghan refugees in the 1990s, is proof of the country's commitment to defending the oppressed.

"Malaysia has provided educational opportunities to Afghan refugees, ensuring that they obtain a degree.

"The same spirit is also applied in helping the Palestinian people," he said in Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme in conjunction with the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

He added that Malaysia's contribution to Palestine is huge, but there is still room to strengthen these efforts.

"We know that our capabilities are limited, but we are still trying our best to find space and opportunities to ensure that the Palestinian people continue to be defended.

"If we only rely on other countries, many are, however, afraid to act. Malaysia has always been one of the countries that has the courage to speak out on the Palestinian issue," he said.

The director of the Hashim Sani Centre for Palestine Studies, Universiti Malaya, Prof Dr Nazari Ismail, said Malaysia's solidarity with Palestine is something that is very meaningful and respected by the Palestinian people themselves.

He believes that support and solidarity for the Palestinian issue should also cover the economic aspect, despite being aware of its political and economic implications.

"Many parties only talk but do not act. Anger over the implications that may occur is an obstacle. In fact, the implications may not even occur.

"We need to be more enthusiastic to help Palestine achieve independence and liberation. This is not only the responsibility of the Palestinian people, but also our shared duty as a world community," he added.

The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People has been celebrated every Nov 29 since 1978 to commemorate the United Nations General Assembly resolution that partitioned Palestine on Nov 29, 1947.  

-- BERNAMA