March 7, 2024
KUALA LUMPUR – Palestinians in Malaysia can find a safe environment and opportunities for a better future through education, even though some aspects of the conflict may seem insurmountable, says Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia.
“Malaysia can provide young people with the opportunity to receive education and reside in a safe environment,” Her Majesty said during a royal engagement session with Palestinian students from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM).
“Even though we cannot offer extensive assistance since we are not world leaders and do not formulate policies, as Malaysians residing far from Palestine, we can provide young people like yourselves with the opportunity to pursue education and reside in a safe environment for yourselves, your families and your young children.
“At least here, we can ensure your safety, God willing.
“As we know in Islam, knowledge is important, and for all of you to rebuild your country again, you will need knowledge.
“Those of you aspiring to become engineers, doctors, or any other profession, your dreams are possible and we offer you a safe place here in Malaysia at UTM and UTHM as well as in other universities across the country,” said Her Majesty, who is also UTM chancellor, in a post on the Facebook page of Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.
Accompanying Her Majesty to the event were Che’ Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Johor, who is also UTM pro-chancellor, as well as UTM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Fauzi Ismail.
The session was attended by 20 Palestinian students from both universities, each with their own stories of grief and sorrow stemming from the decades-long conflict in their home state.