Solidarity, Not Criticism, Vital In Sumud Flotilla Mission – Mohd Na’im

KULAI, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- The public has been reminded not to question the participation of Malaysian volunteers in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission to Gaza, and instead to continue offering prayers and support in whatever capacity possible.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said the Federal Territories Mufti had issued a clear ruling that it was permissible for women to join the mission, subject to certain conditions, particularly regarding safety and readiness.

“If those conditions are met, I do not see why women cannot participate. The most important thing is that their safety is guaranteed. For those of us who do not have the opportunity to go there, we can contribute in other ways, either through prayers or financial support,” he said today.

Mohd Nai’m was speaking to reporters after attending a contribution handover ceremony at Surau Nurul Haq, which was recently affected by a stolen hearse incident.

He added that the main focus now was to ensure the Sumud Flotilla humanitarian mission safely reached Gaza to distribute food aid and other necessities to Palestinians facing famine.

“We do not want parties who only know how to question, when what matters most is our solidarity as Muslims and Malaysians to come together to help,” he said.

At the same time, he stressed that organisers and the government must ensure safety aspects and sufficient logistical preparations so that the mission truly achieved its objective without causing greater harm.

The GSF humanitarian mission involves more than 1,000 activists from 44 countries risking their lives crossing the Mediterranean Sea to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza.

The group is sailing with over 50 flotilla vessels carrying humanitarian aid, medicine and food for the people of Gaza.

The Malaysian women participating in the mission comprise singer Zizi Kirana, actress Ardell Aryana and humanitarian activists Iylia Balqis and Lia Maryam.

-- BERNAMA