In addition, the Saudi Press Agency said the country’s interior minister would supervise a charity fund-raising campaign on television Thursday.
In some Internet chat rooms, users expressed anger at the reaction among Arab governments and media to the tsunami disaster.
An Arab talk-show host said, “Many Arab viewers have become racist. Unfortunately, the tragedy that befell Asians has no effect on many of them.”
Another observer wrote, “This is a chance for Arabs to show their humanity” and prove that they can give generously “regardless of race, ethnicity and religion. Giving just because it is the right thing to do.”
Others pointed out that Indonesia, with a death toll of 94,000 in the disaster, is the world’s most populous Muslim nation.
