1.  Besides managing the Trust Fund, what other programmes does MSRI have?

MSRI’s last research programme was on Islam in Southeast Asia, which resulted in a number of publications (see our publications list). Currently, MSRI is in the process of putting together a research programme with a focus on inter-cultural understanding.


2.  What are the publications to come out next?

In a few months, hopefully by end of the year, the second volume of the late Dato’ Dr. Alijah Gordon’s autobiography will be published.  Other publications are also in various stages of preparation. These include a volume with Dato’ Dr. Gordon’s writings, a book on the Indian Muslim diaspora in Southeast Asia, as well as soft-cover versions of older MSRI publications.


3.  Why do you support the Palestinian cause? Are more than 50 years not enough?

MSRI is supporting the Palestinian people in their struggle for a just solution to their predicament created by the partition of Palestine and ensuing depravation and hardship. MSRI's Programme for Palestinian Refugee Children in the camps in Lebanon, and MSRI’s medical aid for Palestinians is provided directly to the needy Palestinian people. All AID is given on a strictly humanitarian basis. The Palestinian refugee population is the biggest of all refugees in the world. That this is so, after more than 50 years of struggle, shows clearly that the Palestinian people still need our help, now more than ever.


4.  Why do you concentrate on Palestinians in Lebanon?

The Palestinian refugees in the refugee camps in Lebanon are ‘forgotten’ people. They are usually left out of international negotiations or care. The situation in the camps is as desolate as ever. Aid is dwindling.


5.  How can we support the Palestinian people?

MSRI's Sponsorship Programme under the Malaysian government-created trust gives Malaysians the opportunity to support in a small but important way a Palestinian refugee in the camps in Lebanon and show them that they have not been forgotten.