Malaysia to offer scholarships to Palestinian students, says Dr Mahathir

Noel Achariam Noel Achariam Updated 7 years ago · Published on 22 May 2019 8:13PM · 7 Comments

Dr Mahathir Mohamad meets with former Hamas chairman Khalid Meshaal in Putrajaya today. – Facebook pic, May 22, 2019.

DR Mahathir Mohamad today said the government will be offering scholarships to Palestinian students to pursue bachelor, masters, and PhD courses in 12 Malaysian universities.

The scholarships worth RM11.48 million will be offered through the Palestinian Cultural Organisation Malaysia (PCOM).

He made the announcement at an iftar event organised by PCOM in Putrajaya.

Also present was his wife Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, former Hamas chairman Khalid Meshaal and PCOM chairman Muslim Abu Umar.

The 12 universities are Albukhary International University, Mahsa University, Kolej Universiti Islam Perlis, Multimedia University, UCSI University, Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Sunway University, Universiti Kuala Lumpur and Universiti Utara Malaysia.

This is an initiative of Education Minister Maszlee Malik.

The Education Ministry has collected RM11.4 million that will go to the scholarship funds.

The PCOM will facilitate students who want to apply for the scholarships. 

Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir said if there is a chance for world peace to be achieved, the Palestinian issue needs to be resolved.

“The international community must find a solution to the displaced Palestinians and the return of their land that has been illegally taken by Israelis.

“Put an end to the genocidal Israeli military occupation of Palestinian land and allowing the return of Palestinians to their land.”

He said for as long as the issue is not resolved, the Middle East will forever be in conflict, giving birth to terrorism and militancy, spreading to the rest of the world.

Dr Mahathir also praised the PCOM for their commitment to the struggle for a free Palestine.

“Today, it plays a significant role in building cross-cultural understanding between Palestine and Malaysia, raising awareness about the Palestinian issue and reaching out to Malaysian officials and political parties to mobilise support for Palestinian rights.”

He also re-affirmed Malaysia’s commitment to the Palestinian cause.

“We have and will always stand by you. And we will not keep quiet for as long as we see the atrocities and injustices committed by the Israeli regime.

“Therefore, standing up for Palestine is a moral obligation and Malaysia will continue to condemn Israel for its aggression and cruelty on Palestinians.” – May 22, 2019.

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Comments

  • Mahatir oh Mahatir what have you done ??? Our poor and bright students can't even have a place in varsity due to the bangsa dan agama and now you are going further with your fake self pride to be international philanthropist thru' agama. enough of all that. Serve the charitabe act in the country first lah. !!! It is getting to be irritating with all the nonscences.

    Posted 7 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

  • We have ppl here, students here who need financial aid to study.. and yet you can offer scholarships for foreign students? Where is the logic?

    Posted 7 years ago by Kampung Boy · Reply

  • For a country with debt of 1 trillion, can we afford to award scholarships to foreign students? Charity begins at home.

    Posted 7 years ago by Alex Chong · Reply

  • Kera di hutan disusukan tetapi anak di pangkuan mati kelaparan

    Posted 7 years ago by The Lone Ranger ... · Reply

  • Very well said TDM It was expected from TDM . He favours Palestin not malaysia. Msian Students are strugling to survive TDM in favour of Palestin?????

    Posted 7 years ago by Mindy Singh · Reply

  • What is this? Always picking aliens over our own people?

    Posted 7 years ago by K Pop · Reply

  • It's good to help other countries
    But wouldn't it be better to look into our own people first
    I'm sure there r alot of young talented people
    But no financial support

    Posted 7 years ago by Lan Lan · Reply