[1] Perhaps no other issue in recent times exposes the hypocrisy of world leaders than the tragedy now unfolding in Gaza.
[2] Let’s start with Western hypocrisy. Western leaders pretend to be great icons of democracy and human rights. They never tire of preaching these values to the rest of the world and do not hesitate to take to task those who fall short of their standards. But their commitment to these “universal” values are only skin deep.
[3] In practice, they operate on the principle that their enemies must adhere to democratic standards of behaviour while their friends are free to do as they wish. Thus, countries like Russia, China and Iran are harshly criticised for their undemocratic behaviour while countries like Israel – dubbed the only democracy in the Middle East – can get away with the most appalling disregard for human rights. It is criminal for Russia to invade Ukraine, but Israel is justified in invading, occupying and annexing Palestinian land and killing its people at will.
[4] Western leaders see themselves as guided by great humanitarian ideals and want us to note how they go out of their way to send food and other humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. But what does it really say about their humanity when they provide missiles to the aggressor to maim and kill the people of Gaza and then rush food to the victims of those same weapons? America has the power to stop Israel’s war of aggression against Gaza but instead of doing it, American officials fly around the region trying to “broker” peace.
[5] Hypocrisy is not in short supply elsewhere in the Middle East either. Arab and Muslim leaders hold big conferences, talk about Muslim brotherhood and condemn the slaughter of Palestinians but it’s all just talk. For all their bombast, they’ve done very little to stop the carnage. Student protestors in America have done more to highlight the plight of the Palestinian people than many of these Islamic nations.
[6] The fact is not a few Arab governments are all working quietly with Israel to frustrate Palestinian independence because they need Israel (and the US) to counter Iran – their ancient enemy. Indeed, there is now an informal regional military coalition that includes both Saudi Arabia and Israel. But, of course, few will call out Saudi Arabia for its duplicity on the issue.
[7] But we don’t have to go too far to see hypocrisy in full flower; our prime minister can match any Western leader when it comes to the great game of hypocrisy. Convinced that his own credentials are unimpeachable, that Malaysia itself is a paragon of virtue, he has taken to preaching to the rest of the world and calling them out for their double standards.
[8] In Doha recently to attend the Qatar Economic forum, the PM was in his element talking down to the rest of the world in defence of Gaza. He explained that as the leader of a multicultural nation, he felt compelled to defend the rights of minorities everywhere. He said, “I don’t feel comfortable if I hear of a Chinese Christian or Hindu Indian feeling discriminated.” With not a little chutzpah, he even appeared to hint that Western leaders should perhaps emulate his approach.
[9] No doubt, many Malaysians would have shaken their heads in utter disbelief because they, of course, experience a different reality – pervasive and deeply-ingrained institutionalised discrimination that has long marginalized minorities. One publicly funded university, for example, welcomes foreign students (and even offers some of them financial assistance) but closes its doors to Malaysia’s own minorities.
[10] Perhaps there’s some comfort to be had knowing that Malaysia can hold its own on the world stage in the great game of hypocrisy.
[Dennis Ignatius | Kuala Lumpur | 20th May 2024]
Dennis Ignatius 
You must be logged in to post a comment.