A six-day “siege” of the United States Embassy building along Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, ended at midnight, but with a message that millions of Palestinians remain under attack in Gaza.
Palestine Solidarity Secretariat members and over 200 people gathered to mark the start of the new year on a sombre note - calling for a permanent ceasefire of attacks that had killed tens of thousands of Palestinians.
Secretariat spokesperson Tian Chua led the reading of a declaration that reiterated their demands which include condemnations of the Israeli forces and allies from the United States under President Joe Biden.
“From today, Jan 1, 2024, and every day after, we will stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
“We will not waver in our commitment to the struggle and we will continue to intensify our campaign efforts to achieve peace, justice, security, and dignity for an independent Palestine,” he said.
Cries of “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” were repeated throughout the night, as well as messages targeted at Biden.
The location of the protest, some 200m from the embassy building, was chosen due to the US’ role as a key ally to Israel’s Zionist regime.
‘Not a war, but genocide’
Starting off the night’s line-up of speakers, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad underscored a need for Malaysia to take a stronger stand against the US.
“Yes, we need to have ties with them (US) because of trade, but there are other ways to show our rejection of their stand in the killings of Palestine,” he said.
The nonagenarian said he has lived through many wars but none to the level of atrocities committed against the Palestinians by Israeli forces.
“It is starkly clear how they (Israel) hope to destroy Palestine. This is not a war, but a genocide.
“This is something condemned by all citizens of the world. But the Israelis do not care and they continue efforts to murder Palestinians,” said Mahathir.
Mahathir said Israel will never succeed in destroying Palestine as there will be surviving generations who will continue their struggle for a free land.
Amanah president Mohamad Sabu said the US should take heed of the global anger against their role in supporting Israel.
“America as a superpower, should be proud if they go to war with Russia or China, but this is with a group without a state,” he said.
Mohamad said America was once hailed for ending slavery but the administration’s reputation has since been tarnished and the only solution is to end the war in Gaza.
“History will record their support for a terrorist state’s (Israel) killings of women and children,” he stressed.
Other politicians amplifying the call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire include PKR vice-president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, DAP central executive member Sheikh Umar Ali Bagharib, and PSM deputy president S Arutchelvan.
A human rights issue
Meanwhile, former Malaysian Bar president Ambiga Sreenevasan reminded that the Palestinian issue is not a religious issue.
“It is an issue about power. Because Israel wants to seize land belonging to the Palestinians.
“This is a human rights issue,” said Ambiga who credited the South African government for its move to file a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice for war crimes and genocide.
She also delivered a message for Palestinians in Gaza, “you show such courage, fortitude that your oppressors do not have.
“We want you to know, people of Gaza, that people all over the world support you in large numbers,” she said. - Mkini
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