PETALING JAYA: It is time for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to use high-level diplomacy to secure the release of other foreign nationals from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) still being held by Israel's Zionist regime, says the Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim).
It said that this would also demonstrate Malaysia’s moral leadership in upholding universal humanitarian principles to the world.
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In a statement on Sunday (Oct 5), Abim president Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin said that while he is grateful that the 23 Malaysians involved in GSF have been released, it is necessary to uphold universal humanitarian principles and international laws in solidarity with the Palestinians.
"Abim expresses its utmost gratitude to Allah Almighty for the safety and return of the 23 Malaysian heroes and heroines who took part in the GSF mission to Gaza, who have safely arrived in Istanbul, Turkiye.
"Abim extends its appreciation and thanks to the Prime Minister for his firm and effective diplomatic efforts through the Foreign Affairs Ministry (Wisma Putra) in ensuring the safety of all Malaysian participants and the smooth process of their return home.
"This diplomatic success reflects Malaysia’s steadfast commitment to upholding the principles of humanity and global solidarity with the people of Palestine. It also demonstrates that principled diplomacy grounded in Madani values can balance humanitarian responsibility and national security with wisdom and integrity.
"Abim calls for Malaysia’s high-level diplomacy to be further utilised to advocate for the release of all remaining detainees from other countries who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla and are still being held by the Zionist regime of Israel.
"Such efforts not only strengthen international solidarity but also affirm Malaysia’s moral leadership in defending universal humanitarian principles and international law," he added.
He said that the struggle to end the brutality of the Zionist regime and to achieve the full liberation of Palestine must continue with renewed determination and steadfast spirit.
"Abim also appreciates the close cooperation extended by the government of Turkiye, international authorities, and humanitarian agencies involved in the rescue and care of the Malaysian activists, including the psychological and medical support provided upon their arrival in Istanbul.
"This diplomatic achievement highlights Malaysia’s role not only as a protector of its citizens but also as a moral voice on the international stage, upholding justice, humanity, and global solidarity in the face of oppression in Palestine.
“This approach should serve as a foundation for strengthening Malaysia’s humanitarian diplomacy in collaboration with civil society networks across the region and the wider Muslim world.
"Accordingly, Abim proposes that Malaysia further develop itself as a regional hub for humanitarian diplomacy by engaging civil society organisations and international partners to strengthen networks for advocacy, relief, and humanitarian missions under the banner of shared human dignity," he said.
The flotilla set sail last month seeking to send aid to war-battered Gaza, but Israel blocked the boats, detaining more than 400 people whom it began deporting on Friday (Oct 3).
Of that number, 137 activists from 13 countries landed in Istanbul on Saturday, among them 36 Turkish nationals.
Among those on board the flotilla, which counted some 45 vessels, were politicians and activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.
Those released say that when arrested by the Israelis, the activists had been subjected to violence and "treated like animals".
