My mind boggles at Malaysia Citizen In Saudi Arabia's rhetorical question, '... what have we done for them (the Arabs) in the past?'

If he takes out his Malaysian passport and checks, he will note that Israel is the only country Malaysians cannot visit as we have excluded Israel from diplomatic contacts until such time the Palestinian issue is satisfactorily resolved.

Malaysia pays a price (in trade, business, military and technological ties foregone) in the tens (possibly hundreds) of millions of ringgit for this action alone but it is a price it has chosen to pay for its support of the Palestinian Arabs.

In contrast, Singapore benefits from trade, technology and military ties with the state of Israel. It is no secret that Israel has among the best military technologies and intelligence resources in the world. Malaysia is also unable to host very many international events and forums due to its inability to host Israeli nationals at these events.

This is one of many examples (other includes the first and second Gulf wars) I can quote of unwavering Malaysian support for Arab causes, support which at many times were to detriment to our own economic and international standing. We are there for the Arabs when their chips are down.

So is it not right for Malaysians to ask what the Arabs are doing for us when our chips are now down?

Do not forget that Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and the other Arab oil exporters have benefited from sky-high oil prices over the last two years and their coffers are presently deep and well-lined.

This tsunami-aid issue has highlighted the asymmetry in support between Arab nations and Malaysia - we hold them in high esteem but they ignore us when we are in trouble.

It's time we re-evaluate our foreign policy in the light of the Arab stinginess.