KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 — Malaysia will continue to help Palestinians in Gaza despite not being a member of the Board of Peace established by United States President Donald Trump, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
He stressed that Malaysia is always ready to provide assistance, including humanitarian aid, diplomatic support, and cooperation with regional and international partners, to relieve the suffering of Palestinians enduring Israeli atrocities.
“Although we are not part of the Board of Peace, Malaysia’s role in helping suffering Palestinians in Gaza will continue in every way possible, together with the international community,” he said during an oral question-and-answer session in the Dewan Negara today.
He was responding to a supplementary question from Senator Pele Peter Tinggom regarding Malaysia’s position on the establishment of the Board of Peace and the measures taken by the government to ensure humanitarian aid for Palestinians continues to be effectively channelled.
In response to another supplementary question on the alleged misappropriation of donations to Gaza, raised by Senator Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli, Mohamad acknowledged media reports concerning the misuse of funds donated by Malaysians.
To ensure transparency and prevent leakage, he said the Foreign Ministry has set up a special fund, the Humanitarian Trust Fund for the People of Palestine (AAKRP).
“We want to manage (the fund) ourselves… this account is also presented periodically to the Cabinet and audited to ensure every contribution is properly managed,” he said.
He added that the ministry channels contributions to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with a proven track record of transparency in their aid missions.
Mohamad also stressed the importance of providing immediate aid in the form of food and basic necessities, given the challenging situation at the Rafah border crossing into Gaza and current weather in the region.
