By Norrasyidah Arshad
SHAH ALAM, Dec 31 — Selangor has pledged to build housing and a mosque in Palestine to help in the rebuilding of the West Asian state that is currently under incessant Israeli attack.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said this is the commitment of the state government to the Malaysia Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (Mapim), which has announced plans to develop a “Bandar Malaysia” in Palestine after the war.
“The state is ready to construct these facilities for the needs of Palestinian children once the country achieves peace. We are also exploring the possibility of building other additional amenities.
“To date, Mapim has already built some 10 mosques there through collaborations with Masjid Kampung Tunku and Surau Annur Bangi, among others. God willing, this time, the state government will cooperate with mosques in Selangor to build another one.
“This will be donated by the state, as well as through the donations we have collected from the public so far,” he said at the Panggilan Intifada Doa Untuk Palestin programme, here, last night.
The solidarity event, which was held at the Shah Alam Stadium carnival site and part of the state’s new year’s celebration programme, saw the attendance of close to 500 people.
Previously in October, the Selangor government handed over a RM1 million donation to the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s Humanitarian Trust Fund for the People of Palestine to show its unwavering support for Palestinians in Gaza.
The Menteri Besar has also consistently condemned the Israeli attacks on Palestine.
In his speech, Amirudin said the spirit shown by the people of Palestine to continue fighting for their nation ought to serve as a lesson to the world about defending a country’s sovereignty.
He also expressed hope that the siege in Gaza would end immediately, effectively freeing Palestinians from the Israelis.
“In the beginning, many thought Gaza would disappear from the world map, but until today, its people have continued fighting for its sovereignty.
“Today, the Palestinians have opened the eyes of the entire world, and not just the Muslim community that is standing in solidarity with them.”
Over 21,000 Palestinians have been massacred since Israel committed its war crimes on October 7.
