KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is working with friendly nations to secure the immediate release of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 detained by Israel, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic).
The Prime Minister said Malaysia is demanding that all activists involved be treated humanely and protected from any form of abuse.
“Malaysia demands that they not be mistreated, denied their humanitarian rights or subjected to any inhumane action simply for carrying the message of peace and humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people.
Anwar said Malaysia had lodged a formal protest over the interception of the Gaza-bound flotilla and the detention of more than 100 activists, including 16 Malaysians involved in the humanitarian mission.
“We have already lodged a protest,” he said briefly when met after attending the National Sports Awards 2025 ceremony later the same day.
On Monday, the Sumud Nusantara Command Center (SNCC) confirmed that the Israeli forces had intercepted nine GSF vessels.
Meanwhile, during the event, Anwar assured that funding for the Youth and Sports Ministry would be maintained to safeguard sporting programmes and ensure the continued welfare of national athletes.
He said the welfare of athletes would remain safeguarded following the country’s improving sporting performances.
“Although we are facing financial constraints, I want to give my assurance that sporting events and activities, as well as the welfare of athletes, will continue to be fully protected,” he said during his speech.
He stressed that concerns over financial limitations should not burden athletes, adding that such issues were the responsibility of the ministry and government to manage.
“I am proud to hear that the projected targets and actual achievements have turned out better. Usually, projections come with a slight exaggeration, but there are two areas in our country where achievements have exceeded expectations, namely sports and economic growth,” he said.
He noted that the nation recorded stronger growth in the final quarter of last year and the first quarter of this year.
“Last year and in the first quarter of this year, despite global conflicts and rising oil prices, our economic growth performance was still higher than projected,” he said.
