Today marks the sixth and final day of the society-led “blockade” in solidarity with Palestine, with a mega rally expected tonight to countdown the New Year.
Sekretariat Solidariti Palestin (SSP) targets 1,000 participants to attend the countdown, set to begin from 9pm tonight in front of the MAPS parking building on Jalan Tun Razak - located 200m away from the US Embassy.
According to posters by SSP, tonight’s finale will see the appearances of Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu and Natural Resources and Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi.
Also expected to be present are PSM deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan, DAP central executive committee member Sheikh Omar Ali, Muda secretary-general Amir Hadi, PAS Youth, and renowned activists such as former Bersih chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan and Hishamuddin Rais.
Speaking to Malaysiakini, SSP spokesperson Tian Chua considers the six-day demonstration a resounding success, stating that it reflected the plight of the Palestinians.
“We insisted on setting up tents because it reflects the living situation of the people in Gaza. But we told our supporters that this experience is mild compared to the Palestinians.
“Here, the most we get is wet (from the rain) but there are no bombs and bullets flying from the sky. No one is risking their lives. This experience has been important to undergo.
“Yes, there may have been some weaknesses with (the blockade coinciding with) the holidays and also some rain, but despite that, it was a good experience.
“I take these last few hours to urge whomever to join our (New Year) countdown. Forget about shopping and music, concerts, and whatever. Let’s just spend some sober time to reflect on the suffering of the Palestinians,” Chua said.
SSP consists of 35 civil society organisations, 15 student groups, and 13 political parties, from all sides of the divide.
The six-day bipartisan solidarity movement was conducted in response to the US vetoing efforts by the United Nations to push for a ceasefire in Gaza amid continued assault by Israel.
Eye-opening experience
Protestors had pitched several tents on the kerb of Jalan Tun Razak, under a pedestrian bridge opposite The Icon Tower, and stayed throughout the six-day picket.
One demonstrator who persistently stayed throughout the six days is businessperson Mythreyar, who hails from Tanjong Malim, Perak.
Mythreyar said that he had initially planned to show up for one day of the picket, however decided to stay throughout all six days after witnessing the immense support towards the cause.
“So, on the second day, I went back to Tanjong Malim and packed my clothes before coming back (to Kuala Lumpur) to spend the rest of the nights.
“I’m Tamil and this issue hits close to home, as a similar situation happened in Sri Lanka. The Tamil Eelam was wiped out and the bombs were supplied by Israel.
“What’s happening to the Palestinians isn’t a matter of race or religion, but one of human rights,” he told Malaysiakini.
Relating his experience over the six days, he said that it opened his eyes to the plight of the Palestinians in Gaza who are unable to live in comfort and security. - Mkini
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