@mpkotabelud dismayed with @SayeedaWarsi 's Resignation, Calls for Focus on Plight of Palestinians

@mpkotabelud with @sayeedawarsi during her visit to Kota Belud

I am dismayed to learn that Baroness Warsi resigned as British cabinet minister today; I applaud her tireless pursuit in defense of the pain and suffering of the Palestinians. She has been steadfast, thus far, in standing her ground against the UK government’s policy on Gaza stalemate – a courage of which should be emulated by all and sundry.

While I personally believe that the international community has placed too much emphasis on the threat posed by Hamas, it is indeed the plight of the Palestinians, which must first be addressed in the name of humanity. There is no excuse to senseless murder, no matter how cogent the reasons behind the atrocity.

In April this year, I had the privilege to host Baroness Warsi on her working visit to SK Piasau in Kota Belud. Though our meet was brief, we managed to exhange views on international and local issues. 

Inspired from the UK’s Big Iftar project – Warsi’s brainchild while she was the minister for Faith and Communities – the Urban Wellbeing division of my ministry recently held a buka puasa event at Masjid An-Nur, USJ 4, in the same spirit. 

Church leaders and representatives from other faiths supported this inaugural buka puasa. The initiative was aimed to close the widening gap among multi-racial Malaysian communities. It is my ardent hope to see the same effort being embedded as part of our rich traditions. 

I wish Baroness Warsi well in her future endeavours. Together, let us stand up for the Palestinians.

ABDUL RAHMAN DAHLAN