KUALA LUMPUR: The solidarity of Malaysians towards the Palestinian independence struggle remains strong as thousands of people of various races and ages gather at the Solidarity Assembly with Gaza: Malaysia Wave, Free Palestine, at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, Wednesday (Oct 8).
From as early as 5pm, a sea of people dressed in white, symbolising peace and unity, filled the venue, waving Palestinian flags and holding banners with messages like "Don't stop talking about Palestine," as a commitment to continue voicing against Zionist atrocities.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as patron of Sumud Nusantara, is scheduled to arrive at around 9pm to deliver the keynote speech for the Solidarity Assembly with Gaza, following the presentation of a memorandum from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), representing global humanitarian voices.
Several individuals from the 23 Malaysian volunteers who joined the GSF voyage, including Cinta Gaza Malaysia CEO Muhammad Nadir Al-Nuri Kamaruzaman, celebrities Ardell Aryana, Heliza Helmi, and Zizi Kirana, are also expected to share their experiences at the gathering.
Additionally, a special prayer session and major supplication for Gaza were held after Maghrib prayers as part of the day's events, along with a poetry recital by media personality Ahmad Fedtri Yahya and performances by Munsyid Malaysia.
Participants at the assembly shared their enthusiasm and steadfast stance in expressing solidarity with the Palestinian struggle.
Siti Masruhah Dahli, 22, a student from the Islamic Science University of Malaysia (Usim), said that her presence, along with a group of 30, brings hope that this gathering will further ignite humanitarian spirit and empathy towards the plight of Palestinians.
Public servant Mohd Kamal Hashim, 55, said his attendance was to show strong support for the Palestinian people and all GSF mission volunteers.
"Tonight, we want to show the world that we will unite for Palestine. God willing," he said, attending with 40 colleagues.
Nazmil Mohamad, 21, mentioned that this gathering is not just participation but a stand for humanity, inspired by Anwar's speech on the Palestinian struggle.
Nazmil, originally from Kerala, southern India, said he had attended similar gatherings in his homeland and is ready to voice the fight and liberation of Palestine here.
"I think many are unaware of the genocide happening. They try to normalise it, with no sense of humanity," he added, hoping more people will speak up for Palestine.
Israeli military attacks on Gaza since October 2023 have killed over 67,000 Palestinians, mostly women, children, and civilians, and have destroyed much of the infrastructure, including hospitals and schools.
Currently, about 2.1 million residents of Gaza are struggling with shortages of food, clean water, and healthcare, while many residential areas and public buildings have been destroyed by the Israeli Zionist regime. - Bernama
