By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, Dec 21 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim called for greater compassion, empathy and humanity today in the approach to global crises amid Israel’s incessant bombardment of Gaza.
Speaking at the National Book Awards 2023 ceremony, he voiced concern over the disparities in the global response to the crisis in Palestine compared to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Highlighting the inconsistencies in international reactions, Anwar cited the United Nations’ lackadaisical response as an example of the differential treatment accorded to the Palestinians.
“The deaths of women and children in Ukraine are justly identified as genocide, yet a similar plight of those in Gaza, where thousands of women and children are being killed, does not receive the same recognition.
“This is often overshadowed by narratives justifying that Israel has the right to defend itself,” he said in his speech at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris in Tanjung Malim, Perak, today.
Anwar also lamented the desensitisation of certain quarters towards the loss of innocent lives, especially infants, in these conflicts.
He said pursuing excellence and progress would lose meaning when divorced from the core values of humanity and compassion.
The Prime Minister also appealed to students present at today’s event not to be swayed by religious and racial extremism, stressing the importance of harmony.
“There is no need to indulge in hate speech or label others as apostates. Antagonising non-Muslims or shouting curses is not what any religion teaches.
“We should feel the pain of every child’s suffering as if they were our own, regardless of their ethnicity or religion, be they (Malay), Chinese, Indian, Dayak, or Kadazan,” Anwar said.
