Seeking peace: The protesters gathering near the US Embassy in Jalan Tun Razak. — SHAARI CHEMAT / THESTAR
KUALA LUMPUR: After six days of continuous picketing near the US embassy here, it all culminated on New Year’s Day as protesters ushered in 2024 with calls for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
The “Kepung Demi Palestin” protesters had gathered near the US embassy since Dec 26.
“Starting today, Jan 1, 2024, and everyday after, we stand together in solidarity with the Palestine people,” said the group’s spokesman and former PKR vice-president Tian Chua.
He read out their declaration just before midnight on Sunday during the gathering.
Four demands were read out, including calling for a fair, peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict and an end to the apartheid system throughout Palestine.
Protesters broke into song as the clock struck 12.
They also held a candlelight vigil for the lives lost so far due to the conflict.
Shouts of “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” continued through the early hours before the group slowly began dispersing at around 1am yesterday.
Earlier in the night, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad made an appearance, stating that this was the worst conflict he had ever seen.
“I have seen many wars on the world stage and on local grounds, but I have never seen the level of atrocities such as those done by the Israeli military to the Palestinians. It is clear their aim is to wipe out the Palestinian people.
“This is not a war. It is an attempt at genocide,” he said.
He said the United States was also complicit in the violence.
The Palestinian race, he said, would never be eradicated.
“Their children will grow up and they will never forget the atrocities done to their people,” he said.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, who was among the speakers, said the conflict was a humanitarian issue, not a religious one.
“The symbol of America is supposedly one for liberty, but what liberty is there when you see children aged eight, six and five screaming out for help to find their parents; to find food.
“I urge the embassy here to report back to your leaders. The world hates you now unless you immediately end the suffering of the Palestinians,” he said.
He also urged all to emulate Malaysia, pointing out the peaceful co-existence among the many races and religions.
“Look at Malaysia and emulate us. We have many religions and races, and we still live in peace together,” he said.
“Let the Palestinians return to their homeland. If the Israeli people wish to remain so be it, and those who want to move, then go ahead.”
In the last six days, protesters had “occupied” the areas near the US embassy by erecting tents in the vicinity.
According to Chua, the act was a symbolic representation of the occupation in Palestine.
Police have been deployed at the picketing area, some 200m away from the embassy entrance, since the start of the protest on Dec 26.
While the direct road leading to the front entrance was blocked by the police, traffic flow was controlled and relatively smooth.
The Malaysian Islamic Consultative Council, Sejagat, Viva Palestina Malaysia, Yayasan Al Quds Malaysia, Suara Rakyat Malaysia and Malaysian Women’s Coalition for Al-Quds and Palestine were among the NGOs involved in the protest.
