Malaysian prime minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in a bold way, is taking the lead by planning to reconstruct Gaza and is seeking the backing of not only Islamic countries but non-Muslim nations as well.

Whether he gets the necessary backing and support of other nations is not certain or sure but Datuk Anwar has already stated that Malaysia will build a mosque, a school and a hospital for the benefit of the Palestinians.

If Datuk Anwar has taken on the role of “Big Brother” for the Palestinians, it is understandable, as he carries a heavy personal burden for them and wants to lift the gloom and doom and oppression weighing on these people.

While it is not necessary for the Malaysian prime minister to go out on a limb for the Palestinians, what is evident is that they are desperate, and looking for any form of assistance or help to escape from their living hell.

This is where Datuk Anwar fits the bill. And as a leader of ASEAN, he has lost no time in planning the reconstruction of Gaza and commands the respect and trust of world leaders as a moderate proponent of Islam.

Datuk Anwar’s influence and reach is far and wide, and many Palestinians who are beginning to revere him as their elder statesman hope that he will bring peace and progress and prosperity for all Palestinians to savour and enjoy.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE