The Palestinian Ambassador to Malaysia, Walid Abu Ali, emphasized that Malaysia’s strong support for the Palestinian cause is unquestionable. He highlighted how Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has consistently raised the issue on various international platforms.
These platforms include the United Nations General Assembly, Asean Summit, the inaugural Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, and the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit. Anwar’s message has been very clear, even when speaking to United States President Joe Biden.
According to the ambassador, the Palestine issue unites all Malaysians, regardless of their political differences. This was expressed during a courtesy call from the Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai at the Palestinian Embassy.
Since the conflict in Gaza broke on Oct 7, Anwar has been vocal in championing the Palestinian struggle. He has consistently expressed Malaysia’s solidarity with the struggles of the Palestinian people at international forums. Anwar’s recent statements during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Economic Leaders’ Week Informal Dialogue and Working Lunch were indicative of this.
Walid underlined that Palestinians have consistently faced double standards from the international community. He expressed regret at the global stance that often sympathizes with Israel, despite the daily hardships faced by Palestinians under Israeli occupation and siege, which has been ongoing since 2007.
According to Walid, a total of 14,128 Palestinians have been reported killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since Oct 7, including 5,600 children and 3,500 women. Additionally, 218 Palestinians were reported killed in the West Bank.
Walid stressed that the Palestinian struggle should not be viewed solely through a religious lens, but rather as a battle against the illegal occupation and atrocities committed by Israel for over seven decades.
He emphasized that Israel was created in the Palestinian’s catastrophe, on May 15, 1948, which marks the establishment of Israel through the political ideology of Zionism. The real issue, according to Walid, is that Palestinians are being targeted by Israeli attacks.
Walid highlighted that the global Palestinian population exceeds 13 million, with 1.5 million residing in Israel, 2.3 million in the Gaza Strip, 3 million in the West Bank, and 6.5 million in the Palestinian diaspora. He noted the challenging conditions faced by Palestinians living under siege in Gaza and the restrictions on movement and oppression faced by those in the West Bank.
Walid emphasized the advocacy of the Palestinian diaspora worldwide for their right to return home, stating that each embassy personnel member has a unique and personal story.
“Just imagine as a Malaysian you are living somewhere abroad and you are not eligible to come and live in Malaysia. You’re Malaysian, you should have the right to come back anytime you want. Same thing with us Palestinians,” he said. – Bernama
