Hundreds of Malaysians gather for 'Mega Palestine' rally

Armed with placards and banners, hundreds of Malaysians marched in solidarity with Palestinians and called for an end to Israel’s aggression.

Dubbed the “Mega rally for Palestine”, the participants also made a stop outside the United States embassy in Kuala Lumpur, which was guarded by dozens of the police’s light strike force personnel.

Earlier, participants gathered in front of Menara Tabung Haji at Jalan Tun Razak. Prayers were heard over a loudspeaker.

Stalls had also mushroomed in the area, selling Palestine-related merchandise such as shirts expressing support for the cause and fake keffiyehs.

There were also stalls selling food and cold drinks amid the hot afternoon weather.

During the march, gardener Mohamad Syed told Malaysiakini he is a strong supporter of Palestine as a Muslim.

“I cannot stand what is happening to Palestine.

“I went to a rally for Palestine in Johor also,” the heavily tanned man said.

He attended the rally with a friend and brandished a small placard which read ‘Free Palestine’.

Also joining the march was Rita, a Portuguese woman living in KL, who waved a large Palestine flag as she walked.

“I will join a rally wherever I am in the world. I’m joining this one because this is the one we have here.

“I’ve been joining every gathering that has been happening for the past month or so,” she said.

She explained that she is a believer in the Palestinian cause and that the occupation in Gaza must be stopped.

“I’m a believer that we cannot stay silent… Therefore, we all need to say something. Otherwise we’re quiet witnesses and we’re allowing all this to happen,” she said.

The marching crowd reached its final stop at Padang Merbok about two and a half hours later at 4.40pm.

But before those marching arrived, Hassan Hushin and three generations of his family lay in wait at the parking lot outside the field for the event to begin.

Several stalls were set up at the parking lot, selling food, beverages, and Palestine-related merchandise.

The 64-year-old retiree was there with his wife, daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren.

“We want to support the struggle of the Palestinian people.

“It’s a worldwide phenomenon and we want to be a part of it,” he told Malaysiakini.

Gesturing to two of his grandchildren, a toddler and a baby, he explained that he wanted them to be aware of issues concerning humanity.

“So I think they should be part of it, to stop the genocide,” he said.

He said he was saddened by the events in Gaza, not just as a Muslim but as a human being.

After the arrival of those who were marching, the event continued with speeches from politicians as well as NGO representatives. The event ended shortly after 6pm.

Rally organisers told Malaysiakini there were about 5,000 to 6,000 march participants and about 2,000 rallygoers gathered at Padang Merbok.

Malaysiakini estimates there were around 1,000 participants overall. - Mkini