Thousands gather at Dataran Merdeka for ‘Freedom for Palestine’ rally

Peoples holding placards, flags and poster as they joining 'Malaysia Bersama Palestine' rally in Dataran Merdeka. —AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Thousands of Malaysians of all races gathered to show their solidarity with the Palestinian people and call for an end to the armed strikes by Israeli forces in a peaceful rally at Dataran Merdeka on Sunday (Oct 22).

The supporters, including Palestinians living in the country and other foreigners, had shown up as early as 9am for the rally themed "Freedom for Palestine", which was organised by non-governmental organisations (NGO) Viva Palestina Malaysia (VPM) and Humanitarian Care Malaysia (MyCare).

Attendees waved and carried Palestinian flags, anti-war banners and shouted chants.

Activists from the Muslim, Christian and Buddhist communities and NGOs also gave speeches calling for an end to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Former Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar(pic) said Malaysians cannot stay silent on the genocide and war crimes committed by Israeli forces. At the same time, the US, UK and Europe are complicit.

"We are talking about 50% of those in Gaza are children, and the right of self-defence has thoroughly been denounced and destroyed by the sheer scale of Israel's transgressions of international humanitarian law.

“So many US legislators oppose Israel's crimes against humanity, and they are being silenced. We must delegitimise and defund Israel. This is why it is so important for Malaysia and the rest of the world to give its voice.

“Violence begets violence. If we allow this genocide to continue, all extremist forces everywhere will be strengthened further." said the Prime Minister's daughter.

Nurul said the conflict does not only affect Muslims because Palestinian churches, along with mosques and other places of worship, including United Nations (UN) safe areas, have been attacked and bombed by Israel.

Viva Palestine Malaysia (VPM) chairman, Datuk Dr Musa Mohd Nordin, said he is very proud to see many Malaysians turning up for the rally to show their support for the oppressed people of Palestine.

"I hope they will continue with this enthusiasm when they return home and carry on with whatever little support within their circle. We mustn't see a repeat of this genocide. Too many lives are lost. About 5,000 people have been killed, and 40% of them are children. These are innocent civilians and not members of Hamas." he said.

Musa said the Malaysian government should take the initiative to bring the Muslim and non-Muslim worlds together to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and find a peaceful resolution.

MyCare honorary advisor, Dr Hafidzi Mohd Noor, said that compared to past attacks by Israel, the ongoing strike on Palestine is the worst the country has suffered.

An unidentified Palestinian woman living here for almost 10 years also spoke and recounted how her family fled to Malaysia to escape the atrocities of Israeli forces.

"They are wiping out schools and hospitals and both Muslim and Christian Palestinians. You cannot be neutral. If you are neutral, it means you are with the oppressor. I appreciate Malaysia's support for Palestinians." she said.

Also present at the rally was Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil(pic).

Police personnel on duty kept watch on the rally that ended as scheduled at 1pm.

Dang Wangi OCPD Asst Comm Noor Dellhan Yahaya said the rally organisers had adhered to the rules and regulations of the Peaceful Assembly Act, including submission of notice for the gathering to the police before the event.

He said the rally went on smoothly and ended without any untoward incidents.