IN light of the recent assassination of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh, it is understandable why a third Madani government-mooted Himpunan Pembebasan Palestin rally will take place at the Axiata Arena Stadium in Bukit Jalil this evening (Aug 4) for Malaysians to show their solidarity and undivided support for ‘under sieged’ Palestinians.
Scheduled to begin at 6pm, the rally is intended to send a message to the world that Malaysia condemns Ismail’s assassination of Hamas and the continued oppression of the cruel Zionist regime.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has expected around 20,000 people to attend the rally whereby Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will deliver the keynote address.
The Pantai MP who is also the unity government spokesman further urged all parties, including MPs and Dewan Negara members – regardless of their political affiliations – to attend the rally which will be attended by 40 diplomatic representatives.
While the intention is seemingly noble and praiseworthy at the outset, lawyer and human rights activist Charles Hector wondered if this evening’s turnout will dwarf the previous two Madani government-backed rallies in view of the Madani government’ reluctance to call off share sale of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) which is wholly owned by pro-Israeli BlackRock.
“This puts Malaysia in a very bad light with regard its position on Palestine,” lamented Hector in his latest blog.
“In my opinion, for Malaysia and Anwar to take the position of going ahead with the MAHB deal is a serious inconsistency with a strong position against the Zionist-Israeli government and the on-going injustice in Palestine.”
On Oct 24 last year, a Himpunan Malaysia Bersama Palestin rally was also held at the Axiata Arena, bringing together unity government and opposition leaders in a show of united support for Palestinians and was attended by 15,000 Malaysians of all races and religions.
Earlier on Oct 13 last year, the Himpunan Solidariti Bersama Gaza was held at the National Mosque for the same reason.
Taking his argument a step further, Hector ridiculed Anwar for his apparent “insistence for a deal involving BlackRock” as having affected the perception on Malaysia’s stance on Palestine given Putrajaya has “for decades been clear on its stance”.
“Malaysia needs to be clear that it supports to borders of Israel as determined by the UN (United Nations) Partition Plan in 1947 that defined the borders,” asserted the co-founder of Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture (MADPET).
“Of late, media reports suggest that Malaysia supports the borders as expanded by ‘illegal occupation’ of 1967. Be clear on this Malaysia!” – Aug 4, 2024
