Hundreds of Malaysians today joined a global solidarity movement for a free Palestine, taking to the heart of Bukit Bintang with a march along the major shopping district - calling for the “death of Israel”.
Led by the Palestine Solidarity Secretariat and Boycott Divest Sanction movement, tonight’s rally - a weekly affair for the past month - saw a special Muslim prayer conducted for the late Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who they declared a martyr.
Throughout the march, the group and crowd they passed joined in chants of “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” heard loud and clear.
In the midst, a leading voice chanted “Allahuakbar!” and called for support of Hamas in the war against the Zionist regime.
Starting at Starhill Shopping Gallery, the march which lasted over 20 minutes ended at McDonald’s Bukit Bintang - one of the major brands also targeted for boycott.
Leaders including activists Tian Chua and Hishamuddin Rais, along with Pejuang information chief Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali also stressed the group’s objection to the Blackrock deal.
“For those in power, stop this hypocrisy! Use your executive power!
“The people have spoken and so listen to the people!,” said Rafique who stressed that there is no more room for discussion on the matter after Haniyeh was killed.
Day of action
Unlike past editions of the group’s gatherings held at the site, Tian Chua said the late Ismail, several days before he was murdered in Tehran, had declared Aug 3 as the Global Day of Action for Gaza.
“He (Ismail) called upon the world to answer his call and tonight we are joining the international community all over the world, to stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza,” said Tian Chua.
In front of the iconic “golden arches”, the group regathered at the end of their march and listened to speeches including from three Palestinian women living in Malaysia.
In reminding Malaysians and the world to keep their eyes on the atrocities committed by Israeli’s Zionist regime, the Palestinians stressed that every little act of support, including through boycotts, will have an impact on their ultimate struggle for a free Palestine.
The gathering ended at around 10pm with another prayer and a pledge that the global boycott movement against all companies with links to Israel will be strengthened. - Mkini
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