KUALA LUMPUR – Former international trade and industry minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz has urged Malaysian citizens to not be “sucked into” foreign geopolitical conflicts when voicing support for humanitarian causes, such as the ongoing war in Gaza.
In a Facebook post today, “Iron Lady” Rafidah stressed that regardless of a country’s “political inclination,” it is crucial to stand for what it believes is right while condemning acts perceived to be in the wrong.
She highlighted that in times of geopolitical rifts, various governments will decide on the registration of their stances and take sides, especially when the issues involve race and religion.
“We in Malaysia must not be sucked into the geopolitical conflicts amongst the so-called big powers and their ‘underlings’.
“We must always be on the side of what is right,” she said, pointing to the Israel-Palestine conflict, which she pointed out has seen many deaths, as an example to illustrate her point.
She added that Malaysians should bear in mind lessons from such conflicts, saying, “Nothing should divide and decimate us. Not politics, religion, or ideologies.
“The integrity of our nation must always be maintained, strengthened and defended by all of us as Malaysians.”
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim previously revealed that he had received multiple “threats” from Western countries due to Malaysia’s firm support of the Palestinian cause and criticism levelled against the Israeli government and military.
As a sovereign nation, however, Anwar said Malaysia will remain independent and continue to defend the nation’s freedom while advocating for justice for the Palestinians.
Yesterday, Wisma Putra strongly condemned Israel’s inhumane attack on the al-Tabin school in Gaza, which killed over 100 Palestinians, most of whom were children, and critically wounded casualties seeking shelter in the building.
“The deliberate targeting of a school used by displaced Palestinians for refuge is not only a flagrant violation of international law, international humanitarian law, and human rights law but is also a grievous crime against humanity,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. – August 12, 2024