Following the ongoing conflict happening in Gaza, Malaysia has emerged as one of Palestine’s biggest allies offering support, and aid whilst Malaysians have boycotted brands that have shown support to Israel and even shown their support through illegal means.
However, despite the overwhelming show of support, MCA vice president Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker recently expressed concern over the impact of the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict on Malaysia.
In a statement on Facebook, he stated that the conflict has led to many emotions and boycotts, resulting in a divisive atmosphere and negative consequences for innocent individuals and industries.
Ti highlighted the impact of the conflict on Malaysians, particularly the discrimination and harassment faced by innocent individuals due to their perceived association with Israel or America.
He also expressed concern over the economic repercussions of boycotts on industries and individuals, including Muslim employees and their families.
The former deputy National Unity Minister emphasised the need for Malaysians to remain level-headed and avoid being blinded by emotions of love, anger, or hatred.
“Are we going to be blind, deaf, and dumb to how all these are impacting us negatively on the home front? Genuine Muslim businessmen, employees, and related industry workers and their families are made to suffer or are punished first in this ’emotional siege’ against anything American or Jewish.”
Meanwhile, he urged politicians and aspiring politicians to refrain from riding on the global movement to boycott, divest from, and sanction Israel, stressing the need for fairness and consideration of the impact on innocent individuals whilst calling for Malaysians to recognise the humanity of their fellow citizens, who are entitled to rights, liberties, and dignity.
“Our people are also human and entitled to rights, liberties, and dignity. Should we discriminate, harass, or pressure them just because another country or entity has taken sides in the Israel-Hamas war?” he asked.
“Where’s the humanity in us when we are effectively punishing our ‘own’ people and industry who are innocent in this war? Are we going to continue punishing our people so as to hit out at America, Jews, or Israel?”
What do you think of his statement? Let us know in the comments.
Also read: British Vlogger Says the World Needs More Leaders Like PMX Who Speaks Against Violence in Gaza
