A group of activists from Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) held a candlelight vigil in solidarity with Ukraine last night, condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “ruthless attempts to sow discord and division”.
The vigil was held outside Wisma Chinese Chamber, across the road from the Russian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
Police officers at the scene told the organisers they were given 30 minutes to hold their session.
The demonstrators chanted “Stop the war, stop the conflict” before gathering in a circle to say a prayer for Ukrainians who have been affected by the ongoing Russian assault.
PSM spokesperson and volunteer Sanjay Augustine said Ukrainians have displayed enormous moral courage and conviction in defending their country during these trying times.
“Despite Putin’s ruthless attempts to sow discord and division, Ukrainians have stood united and have succeeded in preventing the capital Kyiv and other major cities such as Kharkiv from falling into Russia’s hands.
“It is evidently clear that Mr Putin has gravely underestimated the resolve and the determination of the Ukrainian people,” he said during the event.
Sanjay expressed sympathy towards Ukrainians who have been “injured and displaced” by what he described as “Putin’s war”.
“As we gather here, Putin’s troops are expected to encircle Kyiv while his planes continue their campaign of terror over Ukrainian skies.
“However, Putin will never be able to bend the will and aspirations of the Ukrainian people to his whims and fantasies and he will never weaken our resolve to continue our solidarity with the Ukrainian people,” Sanjay said.
The group consisted of six people from PSM and two unaffiliated protestors who heard about the event on social media.
At the same time, about 30 police personnel kept an eye over the protesters and also asked them for identification cards.
Protester Ai Ling, 37, said it was important to take a stand on the matter, even if no action was taken as a result of it.
“I know very few people in Malaysia (who) are concerned about this, but it is always a long journey.
“There might not be a result, but you won’t get anything if you don’t work for it. I have to at least try,” she said.
Another protester, who wanted to be known as Hakim, said he attended the protest to show Ukrainians that Malaysians are supporting them.
Letter to Ukraine embassy
Earlier in the day, Sanjay delivered a letter of solidarity to the Ukraine Embassy.
Addressed to Ukraine Ambassador Olexander Nechytaylo, the letter expressed unequivocal solidarity and support for the people of Ukraine.
“A history of Ukraine is incomplete if made without reference to the resilience of its people. Putin has willfully chosen to ignore this key fact at his own peril.
“Sooner or later, he will be forced to reckon with the indefatigability of the Ukrainian people and the consequences that come with it.
“The valiant efforts of the Ukrainian people in the face of unprecedented adversity and aggression will be cherished in the history books of tomorrow as a seminal fight for freedom and self-determination in the 21st century.
“We stand with the people of Ukraine in this time of great peril. Godspeed,” the letter states.
Last week, an invasion of Ukraine began after a pre-dawn televised address by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Explosions and gunfire were heard throughout the day in Ukraine’s capital and elsewhere in the country.
The assault brought a calamitous end to weeks of fruitless diplomatic efforts by Western leaders to avert war over Russian demands for a redrawing of post-Cold War security arrangements in Europe.
‘Escalation of conflict’
Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob had acknowledged that the Malaysian Embassy in Kyiv was “undertaking evacuation”.
Ismail Sabri described the situation as an "escalation of conflict" in Ukraine and did not refer to the situation as an "invasion", unlike regional neighbours who condemned Russia outright.
Asked about Ismail Sabri’s choice of words, Sanjay expressed sadness, claiming the prime minister should have the moral courage to “call it what it is - an invasion”.
As of Wednesday, Ukraine’s emergency service said the Russian invasion has killed over 2,000 civilians and destroyed hundreds of structures, including transport facilities, hospitals, kindergartens and homes.
There are also widespread reports that the Russian military is indiscriminately shelling and firing in residential areas. - Mkini
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