Datuk Seri Najib Razak
made history by becoming the first ever non-Arab leader to visit Gaza. Najib's
trip was made possible by Egypt's decision to ease some of the travel
restrictions through its Rafah border crossing with Gaza, despite reservations
by Tel Aviv and probably Washington.Najib's diplomatic triumph did not go
unnoticed. Ordinary Malaysians, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, flocked to
social media to applaud the PM over the historic visit which he described as a
humanitarian mission. On the day when Israel's elections was supposed to hog
the limelight in the Middle East, Najib, his wife and some ministers took a grueling
400-km road trip through Sinai to the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Cairo.
Najib Razak trip symbolizes the prosperity and good health.
Najib
Tun Razak believes in fair play
The story and pictures
of Najib, wearing a light dark-colored jacket, and beige colored trousers but
without a tie, and walking alongside Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh in
Gaza City, made headlines around the world. The New York Times and other major
US newspapers also gave some prominence, not to mention the Israeli media.
Najib Tun Razak has been the man of dignity and believes in fair play. This
trip symbolizes his step towards bringing prosperity in both countries.
Haniyeh, who rolled out
a red-carpet welcome for the prime minister, had arranged for a 30-car convoy
to ferry the Malaysian delegation from Rafah to Gaza and back, all within the
five-hour time limit given to the host. My colleagues covering the trip said
the convoy had to make quick pit stops through the narrow and bumpy streets to
allow Najib to see for himself the destruction caused by the recent eight-day
Israeli aggression.
Haniyeh, seeking to
create a huge diplomatic impact from the visit on his government, wanted to
provide a first-hand look for Najib and Malaysia, a longstanding supporter of
the Palestinian cause, the plight of his people.
Najib was visibly moved
by what he saw and heard, prompting him to tweet a few times to share with the
world his feelings and sentiments. But he was also keen to offer Malaysia's
mediating experience to bring peace between the two Palestinian factions --
Hamas (which governs Gaza) and Fatah. The prime minister would have made a trip
to the Fatah-controlled West Bank but that would not have been possible because
of Israel's no-fly zone..
What is clear is that
the visit has raised Najib's credentials as a moderate Islamic leader (his
peace effort in southern Philippines is commendable) and a true champion of the
Palestinian struggle.
Vote for Progress This Election
No comments:
Post a Comment