KUALA LUMPUR – The “Malaysia Stands with Palestine” gathering at Axiata Arena yesterday saw the inaugural participation of numerous youths, local and foreign alike.
Speaking to Scoop, they all expressed gratitude to be able to attend the gathering, which became an outlet for the next generation of advocates for Palestine, amid its war with Israel.
Syamm Suhaimi said the gathering yesterday was symbolic of “the rise of the youth” in taking over the reins for protests.
“We have known what was right and wrong since we were young. Now, as adults, we use our voices to speak up,” the 23-year-old told Scoop.
Despite the gathering yesterday having numerous speeches and performances, Syamm said it was not an issue as they were relevant.
“Datuk Siti Nurhaliza did not perform hedonistic songs, and none of the speeches were inciting or condemning. So, it is good for those who participated,”
Besides prayers, Syamm also said these events are one of the only avenues that Malaysia can show its opposition to Israel, as it cannot make arbitrary decisions such as deploying soldiers to warfare.
Palestinian student Muhammad Dawood said that while the coverage of Malaysia’s rallies reflected its solidarity, such events were insufficient in aiding his nation.
“I would be more happy if they really help Palestinians. I know the whole country is sympathising with Palestine, but they actually do nothing,” he said.
“Yes, we chant the Takbir and wave the Palestinian flag, but it is not actually helping.
“We want to see (efforts) like taking in Palestinian students and giving scholarships, as studying is the only way for us to make money in the future and contribute to our community,” he said.
Similarly, Dawood’s friend who goes by Nas, wished for an outlet to allow participants to express their protests against Israel.
“(Yesterday’s gathering) was good, but we’d also like to express our feelings more.
“I was just listening yesterday. It is not bad, but I’d like to do more (than that),” he said. Nas, who is Sudanese, also called on people to boycott various major companies that are funding Israel in the war.
Meanwhile, Sharifah Ruqayyah, who has already attended five protests, said that the gathering was vital in giving strength to the nation – despite it not being physical strength.
“This is definitely more than nothing, it is a march of solidarity. We are showing moral support, that is one of the main things they need,” said the Al-Quds Foundation member.
“Yes, they need medication, hospitals, and shelter, but they also need moral support – and that is what we are doing. When we spread awareness like this, we can also create funds for Palestinians,” she said.
However, Sharifah agreed that holding musical performances did not fit the theme of Palestine’s struggles, but understood that they might have been to attract more participants.
Nonetheless, she lauded the speeches yesterday, as they were insightful and provided information rarely published in the media.
Vocational college students, Muhammad Hanif, Ahmad Nur Azim, and Fariz Irfan, said the “extreme cruelty” in Gaza had inspired them to attend the gathering tonight.
They also said that chanting the takbir during such events is not a problem, as Malaysia is a nation respectful of other cultures.
“The gathering is a good avenue, as it inculcates the youths’ passion to support Palestine,” Ahmad said.
“Events like this transcend religious differences. So (the takbir) is not an issue, as this is an event with a mutual cause,” Hanif chimed in, expressing his unwavering stance in favour of Palestine.
Similarly, business majors who go by Sofina and Sharifah said their first-time experience joining a gathering was exhilarating.
“Since we cannot be there physically to provide support, we do what we can here,”
“We saw in the past that some gatherings in the past had restrictions, so (in comparison) today was not disappointing. It was a good experience,” they said unanimously.
The gathering yesterday, which saw the attendance of over 20,000 participants, included speeches from various national leaders and performances by renowned local artists. – October 25, 2023