PETALING JAYA: Parliament must hold a special session to debate the illegal detention of the 23 Malaysian volunteers on the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission, says PAS.
Its secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (pic) proposed that the session be held when Parliament reconvenes on Oct 6.
"Parliament must be proactive and not stay silent on such an important issue.
"Solidarity and protecting the rights of Palestinians is the collective responsibility of Malaysians regardless of political background or belief," he said in a statement on Friday (Oct 3).
He also urged the Foreign Ministry to immediately use diplomatic channels and international laws to ensure the safety and release of all those detained.
"The Malaysian government must lead a regional initiative by urging Asean, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations to ensure Israel stops its blockade and threats against legitimate humanitarian missions," he said.
Takiyuddin said the party fully supports the government's swift and decisive action on this matter.
"Israel must be held responsible. Malaysia’s voice must be clearly heard on the world stage as part of our diplomatic steps in defending the rights of Palestinians.
"Diplomacy is about readiness in establishing an understanding without compromising on principles and honour," he added.
The GSF mission, comprising more than 500 activists from 44 countries, including Malaysia, is sailing towards Gaza as a symbol of solidarity and an effort to break Israel's blockade, carrying essential supplies for Palestinians affected by ongoing Zionist attacks.
In total, 10 ships were intercepted by Israeli forces.
Wisma Putra later announced that the Malaysians detained are safe and healthy and will be repatriated via a third country.
The detained Malaysians are singer Heliza Helmi and her sister Nur Hazwani Afiqah (aboard the vessel Hio); Nurfarahin Romli (Farah Lee) and Danish Nazran Murad (aboard Grande Blu); singer Zizi Kirana (aboard Huga); Musa Nuwayri, Iylia Balqis and Sul Aidil (aboard Alma); and Haikal Abdullah, Muaz Zainal, Zulfadhli Khiduddin and Rusydi Ramli (aboard Sirius).
Also detained are Razali Awang (aboard Inana); influencer Nurul Hidayah Mohd Amin, better known as Ardell Aryana (aboard Mikeno); PU Rahmat, Norhelmi Ab Ghani, Mohd Asmawi Mukhtar, Norazman Ishak (aboard Estrella); Zainal Rashid and Ustaz Muhammad (aboard Fair Lady); as well as Muhammad Hareez Adzrami, better known as Haroqs, Muhd Haikal Luqman Zulkefli and Taufiq Mohd Razif (aboard Free Willy).
