KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 31 — The culmination of the Palestine Solidarity picket near the United States Embassy on Jalan Tun Razak here, which has been held since last Tuesday, was attended by more than 200 people, including prominent figures.
Among the leaders present at the closing night of the ‘Kepung Demi Palestin’ picket were Minister of Agriculture and Food Securities Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and social activist Tian Chua.
In addition to speeches, other activities held from 8 pm included music performances and a bunting display showcasing the history of Israel’s oppression of the Palestinian people.
The grounds were also adorned with candlelight displaying the words ‘Save Gaza.’
In his speech, Mohamad said despite the suffering faced by the Palestinian people, he believes that humanity and unity are essential pillars to achieve peace.
“In Malaysia, although we are all different races and religions, we can live in peace and harmony,” he said.
Nik Nazmi, on the other hand, said that the government’s continuous efforts to voice the rights and issues of oppression against the Palestinian people in Gaza have gained the attention of the global community.
“We want to send a clear message that people worldwide, including Malaysia, will not remain silent as long as the rights of the Palestinian people are not respected,” he said.
Participants were seen dispersing the area at midnight under police supervision.
According to international media reports, at least 20,000 Palestinians, including children, have been killed since the outbreak of the Israel-Palestine conflict in Gaza on Oct 7.
The six-day picket that began on Dec 26 is an initiative by Malaysians concerned with the ongoing crisis in Gaza, and brings together 48 non-governmental organisations (NGO) encompassing community organisations, youth and student associations as well as political groups of across the spectrum to demand a stop to the killing of Palestinians and an immediate ceasefire.
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 are among the NGOs involved.
