KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysians will not be silenced and will persist in advocating for the freedom of the Palestinian people.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said that the issue of oppression carried out by Israel on Palestinians, supported by the world’s superpower, the United States, has drawn the attention not only of Malaysians but also of the global community as a whole.
“We want to send a clear message to people from all over the world, including Malaysia, that we will not remain silent as long as the rights of the Palestinian people are not respected!
“This struggle is also supported by people from around the globe, including Europe and Latin America.
“As long as Palestine is not free, we will not be free… we can no longer tolerate Israel’s tyranny,” he said in his speech at the Grand Finale of the Kepung Demi Palestin gathering on Jalan Tun Razak, here last night.
Meanwhile, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, who was also present at the event, urged various parties to continue putting pressure on the US to immediately encourage Israel to implement a ceasefire.
He said that the unquestioning support of the US has led to increased arrogance on the part of Israel, resulting in the continuous killing of nearly 23,000 Palestinians since the conflict between the two countries broke out on October 7.
“If there were no America and other European countries, Israel would have gone a long time ago.
“I appreciate the solidarity from across the Atlantic, where people, indifferent to their government’s stance, have risen in opposition. Enthusiastically rejecting Israel’s harsh tactics, they’ve flooded the streets in massive demonstrations, drawing hundreds of thousands in unity,” he said.
Meanwhile, former Batu MP Tian Chua, who also serves as a co-organiser of the Palestine Solidarity Secretariat, said that the initiative was carried out in collaboration with a coalition of 48 non-governmental organisations, effectively accomplishing the established goals and missions.
Tian Chua said that through the six-day campaign from last Tuesday, it was evident that Malaysians of various races and religions also showed their solidarity in front of the US embassy.
“They have successfully run our mission and achieved its goal of supporting the oppressed Palestinian people.
“Previously, many people would have seen only one race (Malays) speaking out on the issue, but now we see Malaysians from various races and religions standing together and speaking out for Palestine.
“For this Grand Finale night, the response is very encouraging, and we expect 1,000 participants by midnight on January 1, 2024,” he said.
Checks by Scoop saw hundreds of participants attending the event, carrying placards in support of Palestine and condemning the actions of Israel and the US.
Shouts of “Free Palestine” and “Save Gaza” were also echoed by participants who flooded the area near the US embassy.
Vehicles passing through Jalan Tun Razak also honked to show support and solidarity for the Palestinian people. – January 1, 2024