Malaysia Remains Steadfast In Solidarity With Palestinians To Demand Their Liberation

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- Palestine will be free! 

The ‘Himpunan Pembebasan Palestin’ rally at Axiata Arena Stadium, Bukit Jalil tonight sent a clear signal to the international community that Malaysia remains steadfast in solidarity with Palestine and will continue to demand its liberation from the Zionist regime.

The struggle for Palestinian liberation is not championed solely by Muslims, but a universal struggle by all.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Palestinian issue was a universal and humanitarian question that united all parties who voiced their solidarity in support of the country’s liberation.

“Tonight, we gather as a sign that Malaysians, regardless of political affiliation, religion, race or ideology, are undivided in our solidarity and support for the Palestinian people’s struggle,” the UMNO president said during his speech at the rally.

Ahmad Zahid said Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in Tehran, Iran recently, had previously shared with him his hope that Malaysians would continue to not only provide moral support but also material support so that Palestine, especially Gaza, could be rebuilt.

The deputy prime minister also reminded Malaysians that they should be proud of having a courageous leader like Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who relentlessly championed Palestinian liberation.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu concurred with Ahmad Zahid, adding that Anwar, who was well-respected globally, was capable of creating a new world order to help Palestine gain freedom and independence.

“You (Anwar) are capable of creating a new world order, engage Muslim countries that recognise Israel and ask them to severe ties with Israel.

“Malaysia’s economy has recovered in less than two years, (and) the ringgit remains strong. As our leader, assist the countries that are against Israel and those that do not have diplomatic relations with Israel, help them grow strong,” he said.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail meanwhile advised Malaysians to set aside differences in colour and political affiliations in their solidarity with Palestinians and come together to support their struggle to demand for liberation and self-rule.

He pointed out that the just course of action should bring Malaysians together and unite them against the oppression and brutality of the Israeli regime.

“At the end of tonight’s event, we will pray and recite the Qunut Nazilah... not directed at causing discord among Muslims,” he said, adding that Malaysia’s efforts were not limited to supporting Palestine’s struggle but also to assist the Palestinian people through the Palestinian People’s Humanitarian Trust Fund introduced in October last year.

Based on sharing by the Foreign Ministry as the fund administrator, RM97 million has been collected, with RM35 million spent, including RM5 million to pay for the education of Palestinian children in the country as of May this year.

Meanwhile, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said that Malaysia’s independence, gained in 1957, remained incomplete as long as Palestine could not enjoy freedom and independence.

He urged Malaysians to support Palestinian liberation as the crisis in the Middle East was a universal humanitarian issue and not merely for Muslims.

“From 1948 till now, it’s already 76 years, let our generation, our era, our time, let us stand witness to a free Palestine,” he said.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, who shared details of his last meeting with Haniyeh when they attended the recent inauguration of the new Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran, said Haniyeh told him that Anwar should continue championing the Palestinian people.

“As soon as the swearing-in ceremony was done, he (Haniyeh) turned to the back to look at me and the first thing he asked was, How is Anwar Ibrahim? He told me, please go back and tell Anwar to keep up his noble fight.

“Tonight, I wish to convey to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that Ismail Haniyeh asked him to lead us and continue to fight for the children in Palestine,” he added.

-- BERNAMA