KUALA LUMPUR – The United Nations and Arab countries have been slammed for their lacklustre opposition to the war in Gaza.
Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu told about 500 people who gathered at Jalan Tun Razak here for the Al-Quds Day annual rally after Friday prayers today that the had UN lost its international standing as Israel continued to violate the global body’s resolutions on the Gaza siege.
“The people of Europe have gathered in large numbers to voice out against the oppression of women and children in Gaza.
“However, I don’t see demonstrations in Arab countries. There are even Islamic countries that still engage in bilateral trade with Israel while Muslims are being brutally killed in Gaza,” he said under the gaze of about 100 police officers.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisation chairman Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid said they wanted to commemorate today’s protest by renaming Jalan Tun Razak as “Jalan Al-Aqsa.”
“We don’t care if it is not recognised by the government, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, or anyone else,” he said.
In addition, participants were seen carrying banners, placards and Palestinian flags, while chanting slogans demanding an end to the Gaza occupation.
Syarifah Alhabshi, 43, a housewife from Klang, said she has joined the Al-Quds Day rally every year since 2022 and urged other Malaysians to do the same.
“This is not a matter of religion but a matter of humanity and why Israel has yet to fall is because we are not united enough.”
Zahra Suhaimi, 17, a student who came from Alor Star, Kedah to take part in the demonstration, shared similar sentiments.
“Hopefully, more Malaysians will participate in the coming protests. By joining the rally during the fasting month, we can better understand the plight of the Palestinians there.”
The rally was organised by the civil society groups Sekretariat Solidariti Palestin and Sekretariat Palestin Malaysia. – April 5, 2024