KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 1 (NNN-Bernama) — The culmination of the Palestine Solidarity picket near the United States Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, which has been held since last Tuesday, was attended by more than 200 people, including prominent figures.
Among the leaders present at the closing night of the picket were Minister of Agriculture and Food Securities Mohamad Sabu, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
In addition to speeches, other activities held from 8 pm included music performances and a bunting display showcasing the history of Israel’s oppression of the Palestinian people.
The grounds were also adorned with candlelight displaying the words ‘Save Gaza.’
In his speech, Mohamad said despite the suffering faced by the Palestinian people, he believes that humanity and unity are essential pillars to achieve peace.
“In Malaysia, although we are all different races and religions, we can live in peace and harmony,” he said.
Nik Nazmi, on the other hand, said that the government’s continuous efforts to voice the rights and issues of oppression against the Palestinian people in Gaza have gained the attention of the global community.
“We want to send a clear message that people worldwide, including Malaysia, will not remain silent as long as the rights of the Palestinian people are not respected,” he said.
Participants were seen dispersing the area at midnight under police supervision.
Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip since Oct 7 have killed 21,822 Palestinians and wounded 56,451 others, the Health Ministry in Gaza said Sunday.
The six-day picket that began on Dec 26 is an initiative by Malaysians concerned with the ongoing crisis in Gaza, and brings together 48 non-governmental organisations encompassing community organisations, youth and student associations as well as political groups of across the spectrum to demand a stop to the killing of Palestinians and an immediate ceasefire.
— NNN-BERNAMA
