KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia remains united and steadfast in condemning the relentless attacks by Israeli forces and in supporting the liberation of the oppressed Palestinians.
This message was strongly conveyed when some 12,000 people attended the 'Himpunan Pembebasan Palestin' solidarity rally at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
The gathering, which included performances by local artists and a poem recital, also featured passionate speeches and fervent calls for action.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu led the assembly with a powerful speech, drawing cheers and roars from the crowds flooding the venue.
Fondly known as Mat Sabu, Mohamad criticised the double standards of the international community, pointing out that while Russia and Belarus were barred from the Olympics, Israel faced no such sanctions despite its war crimes.
"Israel commits genocide and mass murder, yet their leaders speak at the American Congress, receiving standing ovations. This hypocrisy must end," he said in his speech.
He urged nations not to rely on global powers to resolve the Palestinian issue, highlighting their complicity in Israel's establishment and ongoing support.
He added that decisive actions must also come into play rather than mere condemnation.
"Today, we gather not just to condemn Israel but to stand for the liberation of Palestine.
"We've condemned Israel for decades—since the massacres at Sabra and Shatila, the wars in Gaza, and countless other atrocities.
"Now, we must move forward with concrete action."
Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk R. Ramanan, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution.
Meanwhile, Sim highlighted the daily hardships faced by Palestinian workers, comparing their struggles to occasional traffic jams in Malaysia.
"I might face traffic jams occasionally, but Palestinian workers wake up at 3am every day just to get to work, enduring numerous checkpoints and restrictions imposed by the Zionist regime," he said.
He reiterated that the Palestine issue is humanitarian and transcends religion.
"The issue of Palestine is not just for Muslims; it is a humanitarian issue, a universal issue. As Nelson Mandela said, 'Our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of Palestine.'"
Meanwhile, Ramanan said actions must be taken to counter negative narratives and misinformation, especially those portraying Palestinians as terrorists.
"We must question whether the children being killed, nurses, doctors, IT workers, or UN peacekeepers are terrorists.
"These are acts of brutality by the Zionist regime," he said.
Highlighting the importance of adopting nonviolent resistance inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, Ramanan said, "Let's take a note from Mahatma Gandhi. He stood for a nonviolent movement, a movement of universal love."
Saifuddin drew parallels between the struggles of the Palestinian people and historical events in the Quran, emphasising the need for freedom and self-rule.
"The struggle of the Palestinian people is reminiscent of the story of Moses and Pharaoh in the Quran.
"The Zionist regime's oppression today is akin to the tyranny described in the religious texts," he said.
Saifuddin acknowledged Malaysia's unwavering support for Palestine, including establishing a humanitarian trust fund for the Palestinian people, which has raised significant funds to support their well-being.
"Despite being a nation of around 30 million, Malaysia has shown extraordinary commitment.
"Our prime minister's humanitarian trust fund launched last October has raised 97 million ringgit, of which 35 million were spent supporting Palestinian students in Malaysia.
He urged for unity and solidarity in the face of such oppression, concluding with a call for peaceful and compassionate advocacy for Palestinian freedom.
"In these moments, we must set aside any differences and unite for the cause of justice. The Palestinian issue should bring us together.
"As Allah instructed Moses to speak gently even to Pharaoh, we too must advocate for justice with compassion."