Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia will provide specific aid for education and healthcare in Baitulmaqdis, Palestine, in addition to recovery efforts in Gaza, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, stated that the assistance, provided through the wakaf instrument, aligns with a request from Imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Sheikh Dr Ekrima Sa'id Sabri, who sought Malaysia's support for development in Baitulmaqdis.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sheikh Dr Ekrima requested that Malaysia assist in the development of Baitulmaqdis, particularly in the environment of mosques and madrasahs around the area. Anwar mentioned that he has discussed with Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), that besides specific aid for Gaza's recovery, special wakaf assistance will be allocated for Al-Quds University, madrasahs, schools, and hospitals in Baitulmaqdis.
Anwar emphasized the importance of the aid in helping to ease the burden of the Palestinian people. He expressed hope that through this effort, Malaysian support can alleviate their hardships, noting that Al-Quds University in Baitulmaqdis relies on assistance from the Muslim community for its operations. Anwar has asked Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, along with local universities and schools, to establish ties and strengthen the activities of this university.
He also urged Malaysians to continue supporting the people of Palestine in Gaza and Baitulmaqdis while demonstrating compassion and humanitarian values. Sheikh Dr Ekrima appreciates Malaysia as a leading nation advocating for the rights of the Palestinian people, whether in Gaza or Baitulmaqdis.
Anwar acknowledged the visit of Sheikh Dr Ekrima to Malaysia as an honor for the country, given his status as a renowned scholar and key defender as the Imam and Katib of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Baitulmaqdis, Palestine. Earlier, Anwar joined thousands of worshippers in performing the Maghrib and Isyak prayers, led by Sheikh Dr Ekrima, who is on an official visit to Malaysia until February 27.
Previously, Anwar announced that Malaysia would spearhead efforts to build a school, hospital, and mosque in Gaza to help ease the suffering of the Palestinian people. This initiative is to be realized through a collaborative effort involving government-linked companies, non-governmental organizations, the corporate and private sectors, as well as the people.