Moyog assemblyperson Darell Leiking has raised concerns about prioritizing aid for Palestinian students over underprivileged Malaysians. In a social media post, he questioned the allocation of help to non-Malaysians when there are thousands of Malaysian students in need of assistance with education fees. 

Leiking acknowledged that his stance might be perceived as arrogant, but he emphasized the importance of focusing on Malaysians, especially Sabahans who often have to go to Peninsular Malaysia for higher education due to limited local opportunities. 

The call for attention to skill development and academic opportunities for Sabahans comes amid the announcement that 600 Palestinian students in public universities will have their fees waived for a year, with discussions ongoing for 200 Palestinian students in private universities.