Gaza conflict in numbers

Folks,

Below is the Gaza's casualty statistics in numbers, taken from The Sun.

I hope that both parties will respect the ceasefire.

Enough with the killings of the innocent children, and destruction of public amenities such as schools, universities, mosques and homes.

The time has come for both parties to reconciliation and find amicable solutions for the greater goods of the humanities in these two troubled regions.

To the dead Palestinians, rest in peace. You will be forever loved and remembered in our prayers.

Source: The Sun, Monday, Sept 2, 2014

Malaysia's Trade With Israel

Folks,

Received today in my email is the statement by the Datuk Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry, in clarifying the issue between, what is allegedly as Malaysia's trade with Israel.

Before I begin analysing his statement, I wish to note here that Malaysia has no diplomatic relations with Israel. And how do I know this, and how can I prove this?

Well, this is more clearly palpable in Malaysian passports where it is clearly stated that the passport is invalid in Israel.

Now come to this issue of trade with Israel. As far as I know, and this is confirmed by the minister himself, Malaysia has not official trade with Israel.

He dismissed rumours that Malaysia has direct trade with Israel.

This is what the minister said:

Secara dasarnya juga, Kerajaan Malaysia tidak menjalin hubungan ekonomi secara langsung dengan Israel. Namun begitu, Kementerian Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri ingin memaklumkan bahawa kesemua pintu masuk ke Palestin dikawal oleh pihak berkuasa sempadan Israel kecuali di sempadan Mesir – Semenanjung Gaza, dan Kerajaan Mesir hanya membenarkan kemasukan bantuan kemanusiaan, ubat-ubatan dan makanan ke Palestin melalui Rafah Border Crossing.

Which I translate this as:

In principle, the Government of Malaysia has no direct economic relationship with Israel. But, the ministry wishes to inform that all entry to Palestine is being guarded by the Israel's border authority except in Egypt-Gaza border, and the Government of Egypt only permits humanitarian aid, medical supplies and foods to Palestine through Rafah Border Crossing.

The full statement by the minister (in Bahasa Melayu) only can be read here.

Hope that this will clarify this issue further.

Based on the statement by the minister, I am therefore satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Malaysia has no direct trade with Israel. And our indirect trade with Israel is definitely beyond our control and we do so minimally to maximize our efforts in helping our brothers and sisters in Palestine.

The Case of Burning Israel Flag

Folks,

Recently, a Malaysian newlywed couple burned the flag of Israel in their marriage ceremony and also place the flag of Israel on the floor for people to step on it every time they pass-by.

The picture and the video link are shown below for your reference:

(credit: Sinar Harian, a Malay newspaper in Malaysia)

(disclaimer: I do not own this video)

And this has caused some uneasiness among those (the so-called) who preached harmony because they view this as an act of extremist. They are saying that a fire should be fought with water, not with another fire.

There is some element of truth in their context, but I think that truth itself is very much biased. It can either be your version of truth and their version of truth.

My argument in this case is simple: their action is not even tantamount to being an extremist. They are just angry -- for all sorts of reasons, some of which include:-

1. Israel has killed countless number of innocent children in Gaza, Palestine.
2. Israel has displaced the Muslim communities there -- bombed their house, universities, mosque etc.

Need to go on? You can read about them on the Internet.

It is also funny that in some western countries, particularly in the United States of America, anti-semitism (the act of expressing hatred against the Jews) is frowned-upon, but the act of killing innocent children is fully supported and condoned, as shown through their supply of missiles and aid to Israel.

What is this madness, dare I ask?

If Israel can assault and insult Palestine through their rockets and missiles and guns and what have you, and kill countless numbers of innocent children through their barbaric action, then I do not see anything wrong with the way this newlywed couple express their dissatisfaction.

Don't be ridiculous and trying to promote harmony when clearly Israel is on the offensive!

An eye for an eye, but in this case, it is not even there yet.