KUALA LUMPUR: The Prime Minister has lauded the courage of activists onboard the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), describing it as a powerful stand against the Israeli occupation and global solidarity with the Palestinians.
In lauding the activists’ courage, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the presence of Malaysians in the mission reflects the country’s commitment to justice, which transcends national boundaries.
“The courageous actions of individuals participating in the flotilla to Gaza signify a powerful stand against oppression and the overwhelming solidarity with the people of Gaza.
“The involvement of international activists, including those from Malaysia, underscores the importance of collective global responsibility in challenging state-sponsored violence and terrorism, and advocating for the rights of the Palestinian people,” he said in his speech at the World Social Security Forum (WSSF).
Anwar also said the government’s consistent condemnation of Zionist occupation and settler colonialism of Palestine is a testament to Malaysia’s commitment to justice.
“It (justice) transcends national boundaries, reinforcing the idea that solidarity in social movements is essential,” he said.
He said an effective discussion on world social security must recognise and integrate present realities of the globe.
“As we address social security on a global scale, we must confront systemic injustices, as silence on such atrocities renders any discussion of social security hollow and inadequate,” he said.
The GSF is expected to enter the yellow zone, located about 300 nautical miles from Gaza, in the coming days. The yellow zone is an area in international waters between Italy and Cyprus where Israeli attacks are possible.
Earlier this month, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced that he wanted to declare the humanitarian activists as terrorists and detain them accordingly.
The flotilla’s voyage across the Mediterranean Sea carries food supplies, medicine and a message of peace, urging an end to the war and the famine crisis, while also demanding the opening of a humanitarian corridor to Gaza.
A total of 34 Malaysian volunteers are in the GSF mission under the banner of Sumud Nusantara, led by Cinta Gaza Malaysia.
