Editor’s Note: It has been brought to our attention that Spectrum International School has taken a bold step in waiving tuition fees amounting to approximately RM400,000 and ensuring that each of the Palestinian child is equipped with the necessary school materials.
While FocusM wishes to applaud Spectrum International School for being an exemplary corporate citizen with its sponsorship – whether full or partial – the underlying intention of the letter by one of our readers is why similar CSR (corporate social responsibility) projects have not been wheeled out for children of our Orang Asli or other refugee communities (i.e., the Rohingyas) for that matter. Are they not deserving of such CSR goodwill?
For clarity’s sake nevertheless, we have decided to tweak our headline to the present one to better reflect the motive of the letter.
Letter to Editor
THERE is no envy here for this may be a humane thing to do but only that it is hoped the final cost of enrolling 66 Palestinian children in an international school in Kuala Lumpur should not be deducted from the coffers of Malaysian taxpayer.
With due respect, nobody is stopping the Madani government from showcasing itself as the ‘Great Champion for Palestine’ if it so desires but the above goodwill gesture should be deemed as a personal initiative duly incentivised by like-minded corporate funders who sympathise with the plight of the war-torn populace.
For context, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Na’im Mokhtar has recently penned a touching Facebook post of him gracing a “Back to School” event involving Palestinian children at the Spectrum International School.
Organised by JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia), the Federal Territory Religious Council (MAIWP) and Malaysian Humanitarian Aid and Relief (MAHAR), Na’im has regarded Malaysia to be “a true friend of Palestine”.
“Malaysia continues to play a role in ensuring that the educational rights of Palestinian children aren’t neglected,” he nobly stated.
All-in-all, 66 Palestinian children aged between 4 and 19 years who previously received treatment at the Tuanku Mizan Armed Forces Hospital will benefit from the opportunity.
Doubtlessly, PMX Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been very vocal about showing support for the people of Palestine. From a stadium rally to huge sums in aid, he claims to have been made a target for mysterious “foreign agents” for his outspoken views.
All this grandstanding is happening amid a tonne of unsolved domestic issues that range from healthcare to economic stagnation. Yet, PMX is busy championing Palestinian rights with such show of solidarity.
Little wonder PMX was chided for being the “Prime Minister of Palestine”. This is not about being anti-Palestinian or a pro-Israel rant but merely asking the government of the day to prioritise local needs first.
To borrow human rights activist and lawyer Siti Kasim’s wisdom, this is all about charity has to begin at home.
It is indeed hypocritical to help foreigners when there are literally hundreds, if not thousands of Orang Asli/Asal children in remote Sabah and Sarawak who are deprived of proper education or having to brave crocodile-infested rivers only to study in dilapidated classrooms.
Like it or not, ignoring the plight of our Orang Asli/Asal children is yet another sign that the Madani government’s pro-Palestinian stance is mere political posturing.
Another fact of political reality is this – one wonders how much ROI (return on investment) the Madani government can expect to reap from this show of solidarity with Palestine at the next national polls.
Ask yourself just who is going to vote for PMX and his Madani administration based on his deeds for Palestinians when the welfare and well-being of many impoverished Malaysians who deserve his attention has constantly been overlooked. – March 6, 2025
A Sad Malaysian
Segambut
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
