Malaysia has consistently demonstrated unwavering support for Palestine, particularly in the reconstruction efforts of Gaza. This commitment is evident through various initiatives and collaborations aimed at rebuilding and providing essential services to the Palestinian people.
Malaysia’s Initiatives in Gaza’s Reconstruction
In January 2025, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced Malaysia’s plan to construct a school, hospital, and mosque in Gaza. This endeavor underscores the nation’s dedication to assisting in the reconstruction of Gaza, with efforts jointly carried out in collaboration with the people and the private sector.
Further solidifying its commitment, Malaysia is set to co-chair the 4th Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD IV) alongside Japan. This conference focuses on capacity building and technical cooperation to empower the Palestinian people, coordinate development assistance, and share expertise in governance, education, health, and infrastructure.
Financial Contributions and Humanitarian Aid
Since October 2023, Malaysia has channeled donations and humanitarian aid amounting to RM45 million to Palestinians in Gaza. These contributions have been facilitated through various channels, including non-governmental organizations involved in Ops Ihsan, United Nations agencies such as the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and the Malaysian Embassy in Amman, Jordan. Additionally, over 5,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid have been sent to Gaza through the Rafah border, benefiting millions of Palestinians.
Public Support and Forms of Solidarity
The Malaysian public has consistently shown support for Palestine, primarily through monetary donations and humanitarian aid. While these contributions are vital, there has been a noticeable lack of large-scale public assemblies or demonstrations to express solidarity. This trend suggests that while Malaysians are empathetic to the Palestinian cause, their focus remains on providing immediate relief rather than engaging in political activism aimed at advocating for Palestine’s sovereignty.
Malaysia’s Stance on the Two-State Solution
The Malaysian government continues to advocate for a two-state solution, envisioning Israel and a sovereign Palestinian state coexisting peacefully. However, this approach has faced criticism from various quarters. Experts like Noam Chomsky have highlighted the challenges associated with the two-state solution, pointing out that ongoing Israeli settlement expansions intensify the infeasibility of a viable Palestinian state.
By now, Israel and the U.S. have made it clear that a viable Palestinian state will not be allowed to exist. The issue is whether there will be a viable struggle for Palestinian rights within a single state. (Noam Chomsky, Lecture, 2015)
Gideon Levy further asserts, “The two-state solution is dead. It was never alive. There is only one regime, one state between the river and the sea, and it is an apartheid regime.” (Haaretz, 2022)
Although the Malaysian government continues to advocate for a two-state solution, many Palestinians and local activists oppose it. Under Trump and Netanyahu, annexation of the West Bank accelerated with Trump’s explicit approval, making it clear that Israel has no intention of adhering to the supposed borders of a Palestinian state. While Western powers continue to promote the idea of a two-state solution, they make no real efforts to ensure its implementation, instead allowing Israel to expand its illegal settlements beyond the so-called agreed borders. This ongoing land grab further proves the infeasibility of the two-state model. Several Malaysian organizations have been vocal in calling out the hypocrisy of this approach:
- BDS Malaysia: Malaysia reaffirms Palestine solidarity and insists on rejecting the two-state solution. (BDS Malaysia)
- Various NGOs: Express concern over the fate of Palestinians under a flawed two-state framework. (New Straits Times)
- MyCare: “For Malaysia, a two-state solution is impossible to achieve as Malaysia will never recognize Israel since its establishment in 1948, nor the Israel that was founded on stolen Palestinian land. Not to mention that Palestine has existed alongside its occupiers for 75 years.” (MalaysiaNow)
Palestinian intellectuals and activists have also criticized the two-state solution as a façade that legitimizes Israeli occupation while preventing Palestinian sovereignty:
- Dr. Edward Said: Long-time critic of the two-state framework, arguing that it cements Israel’s dominance over Palestinians.
- Dr. Noura Erakat: Legal scholar who has called out the two-state solution as an illusion used to maintain the status quo.
- Mariam Barghouti, Baha Hilo, Aya Ghanameh: Palestinian activists who reject the two-state model and advocate for full Palestinian liberation.
- Al-Shabaka (Palestinian Policy Network), Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM): Organizations that emphasize the need for a decolonized, liberated Palestine.
- Bassel al-Araj, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi: Palestinian figures who have expressed skepticism about the viability of the two-state framework.
Historical Precedents: Lessons from the Anti-Apartheid Struggle
Historically, the fight against apartheid was proven successful and doable. In America, back in 1984 and 1985, daily demonstrations occurred outside the South African Embassy in Washington, D.C., resulting in the arrest of approximately 3,000 to 6,000 individuals, including 23 members of Congress. These protests inspired similar actions across the country, leading to an estimated 5,000 additional arrests nationwide (NVDATABASE.SWARTHMORE.EDU).
Yes, it was a success. The arrests of 3,000 to 6,000 activists outside the South African Embassy (along with thousands more across the U.S.) were a major contributing factor to the passage of the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986. The widespread protests helped shift public opinion and increased pressure on U.S. lawmakers. However, other key factors also played a role, including:
- Legislative Advocacy: The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and other lawmakers introduced multiple anti-apartheid bills over more than a decade.
- Divestment Campaigns: Activists pressured universities, corporations, and state governments to withdraw investments from companies operating in South Africa.
- Global Pressure: International condemnation of apartheid and sanctions from other countries also influenced U.S. policy.
- Reagan’s Veto Override: Despite President Reagan vetoing the Act, bipartisan pressure in Congress led to the first-ever override of a presidential foreign policy veto in the 20th century.
Government’s Response to Palestinian Authority’s Actions
Regarding the actions and policies of the Palestinian Authority (PA), there is limited public record of the Malaysian government issuing statements critiquing or opposing the PA. Malaysia’s diplomatic approach has traditionally been supportive of Palestinian leadership, focusing on unity and the broader objective of Palestinian self-determination.
Conclusion
Malaysia’s role in Gaza’s reconstruction is a testament to its steadfast support for the Palestinian cause. Through financial aid, infrastructure projects, and international collaborations, Malaysia aims to alleviate the hardships faced by Palestinians. However, the complexities surrounding the two-state solution and the forms of public solidarity indicate that both the government and the Malaysian populace may need to explore more comprehensive strategies to effectively contribute to the realization of Palestinian sovereignty.
REFERENCES:
- Noam Chomsky on the Two-State Solution
- “By now, Israel and the U.S. have made it clear that a viable Palestinian state will not be allowed to exist. The issue is whether there will be a viable struggle for Palestinian rights within a single state.”
- Source: Chomsky, Noam. Lecture, 2015.
- Gideon Levy on Israeli Apartheid
- “The two-state solution is dead. It was never alive. There is only one regime, one state between the river and the sea, and it is an apartheid regime.”
- Source: Levy, Gideon. Haaretz, 2022.
- Link: https://www.haaretz.com/
- Historical Precedents: U.S. Anti-Apartheid Movement
- Daily protests outside the South African Embassy in Washington, D.C. (1984–1985). 3,000 to 6,000 arrests, inspiring nationwide demonstrations and contributing to the passage of the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986
- Source: Nonviolent Action Database (Swarthmore College).
- Link: NVDATABASE.SWARTHMORE.EDU
- Malaysia Reaffirms Palestine Solidarity, Insists On Rejecting Two-State Solution With Israel
- NGOs concerned over fate of Palestinians
- Should Malaysia continue to support ‘two-state solution’ in the Palestinian conflict?
