Do Not Lose Hope, Continue Efforts For Palestine - Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- Muslims and the international community must continue to persevere in exerting pressure on Israel to end its atrocities against Palestine, stressed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the cruelty taking place in Palestine was a major test for the entire Muslim ummah as well as peace advocates worldwide.

“We must continue to take steps forward. Do not feel burdened to move ahead. Yes, it is exhausting, sometimes disappointing, sometimes it feels hopeless… believe in Allah’s help,” he said.

He said this while delivering a special keynote lecture, “Malaysiaku Bersama Gaza” at the ‘Malam Himpunan dan Selawat Malaysiaku Bersama Gaza’ at Dataran Merdeka tonight, attended by thousands of Muslims.

Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil; Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar; Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa; and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

Among others in attendance were Sumud Nusantara director-general and Cinta Gaza Malaysia chief executive officer (CEO) Muhammad Nadir Al-Nuri Kamaruzaman, and Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (MAPIM) CEO Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby.

The Prime Minister said he would continue to use his position and authority to voice demands for the liberation of Palestine at the international level.

“Now I am the Prime Minister. I use my authority as best as I can, speaking with leaders from Muslim countries, China, India, Japan… not once have I neglected the plight of my brothers and sisters in Gaza and Palestine. I appeal, I press,” he said.

He said that as a result of continuous pressure and the increasingly clear evidence of Zionist atrocities, many countries had begun to take notice and openly reject Israel’s actions.

He added that these countries were also demanding the liberation and reconstruction of areas devastated by the regime’s continuous attacks.

“In global decisions, we are all united. Not only Islamic countries, but also Spain, Brazil and South Africa have strongly condemned Israel… there is now a shift in voices, with more people courageously rejecting Israel’s colonialism and tyranny,” he said.

Meanwhile, he also expressed his hopes and prayers that the Sumud Nusantara convoy, which is scheduled to join the humanitarian flotilla to Gaza on Aug 31 and Sept 4, would safely arrive with its mission.

He described the solidarity movement for Gaza as not only delivering humanitarian aid but also serving as concrete proof of Malaysia’s firm stance in championing the cause of the Palestinian people.

At the event, the Prime Minister also flagged off the Sumud Nusantara 2025 Convoy for the Gaza Flotilla, which gathered delegations from Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, the Philippines and Thailand.

At the same time, Anwar also called on the country’s youth to defend peace and reject any form of division in the nation.

“Do not plant seeds of hatred and division among the people, but build new strength. I urge the youth to rise and safeguard this nation so that it is truly independent, progressive and developed together with its people,” he said.

-- BERNAMA