THE conflict in Gaza is an emotive subject and undoubtedly a humanitarian tragedy of epic proportions. That it is happening smack in the middle of the sacred lands of the three Abrahamic faiths and declared a war in the name of those faiths only make it sadder. 

It is natural to wish to condemn the atrocities. Many Malaysians empathise with the suffering of our Palestinian brothers and sisters

As individuals and groups, we of course stand against injustice and the disproportionate response from a military power, backed by allies of even bigger might, not only militarily but economically, to a small fledgling state that has known nothing but conflict for the better half of the past hundred years. 

Yet as a country, our response perhaps needs to be a little more measured. We have diplomatic and more importantly, economic considerations to take into account. 

While we may not have official ties with Israel, there are third-party trade relationships that occur through intermediaries such as Dubai, especially in niche sectors such as technology and high-value agriculture.

Furthermore, the United States, a steadfast supporter of Israel, is our third-largest trading partner, consistently accounting for between 10-15% of our total trade. Some of our businesses in Malaysia also have substantial US investments. They employ local workers, often with majority local ownership, and rely on local vendors and suppliers. The ripple effect of their operations benefits us significantly more than their home countries.

This is why the Arab and Muslim world, with the exception of Iran, has also responded to the crisis with caution. In a globalised world, the interdependencies and complex politics that define these conflicts involve our vital trading and diplomatic partners.

Take, for instance, the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war, which has disrupted the global supply chain for semiconductors, wheat, oil, and smartphones. While we are less dependent on the Middle East parties, the intricate relationships and complex politics surrounding the conflict affect our vital trading partners.

We send our students to Egypt, medically trained staff to Saudi Arabia, and service personnel to the UAE, among other destinations. Maintaining these relationships is crucial for our overall well-being. Therefore, our prime minister, his administration, and associated authorities must navigate the delicate balance between an official diplomatic stance and our other practical needs.

For example, a stance that isolates us from most of our Muslim-majority friends may not be in our best interests, nor would a stance that leads to the US or the EU imposing bans on our products.

While we must consider our moral convictions, there is no virtue in causing economic hardship to our families who rely on opportunities facilitated by healthy trade.

The Palestinian issue, while pressing, is also a sensitive one. We have the right to adopt a stance that is principled, unbiased, and guided by rationality rather than impassioned fervour.

A diplomatic position that emphasises unwavering commitment to ending the conflict from a humanitarian perspective would alleviate concerns and promote much-needed dialogue in the face of the overwhelming atrocities occurring.

Directing our anger at the dialogue itself would not contribute to resolving the crisis and might, in fact, hinder the chances of meaningful discussions. Excessive politicisation of these issues only fuels local political posturing and distracts from the people who are truly suffering – the millions affected in the Gaza Strip, not politicians scoring points.

The impulse to act should come voluntarily from us, the people of our nation, standing up for our fellow human beings afflicted by the horrors of war. Ultimately, it’s not about us, but about extending a helping hand to those in dire need. – October 25, 2023.

* Emmanuel Joseph firmly believes that Klang is the best place on Earth, and that motivated people can do far more good than any leader with motive.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.