PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has invited Malaysians to gather in unity at the “Himpunan dan Selawat Malaysiaku Bersama Gaza” rally at Dataran Merdeka this Sunday, in a show of solidarity with the Palestinian people.
In a message shared on his official Facebook page, Anwar said the rally not only symbolises the country’s support for those suffering under Zionist aggression, but also marks the beginning of a humanitarian mission to deliver aid directly to Gaza at the end of the month.
“God willing, this Sunday we will gather at Dataran Merdeka to express our solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Palestine who continue to be oppressed by the Zionist regime.
“Let us raise the banner of justice and humanity at the ‘Himpunan & Selawat Malaysiaku Bersama Gaza’. May our prayers and efforts provide strength for our brothers and sisters to continue their struggle to liberate the land of Palestine,” he said.
The event is jointly organised by the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (MAPIM) and Cinta Gaza Malaysia (CGM), under the patronage of the Prime Minister. It is also supported by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, and Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
Organisers expect over 100,000 participants from across the country, with attendees encouraged to wear white in a show of unity.
Separately, Anwar also called on state governments and local authorities not to overlook the role of small traders, particularly Malay hawkers, in urban development.
He urged local councils to emulate the approach adopted in Kuala Lumpur to revitalise business spaces for small entrepreneurs.
“That is why I urge local and state governments to take inspiration from what we have started in Kuala Lumpur… do not neglect the interests of small traders and Malay hawkers, especially in our cities.
“I hope this call is heard by state leaders and local councils. We want to measure the greatness of Kuantan, Temerloh, Kota Bharu, or Alor Setar not just through their shopping malls, but by how governments and local councils improve basic amenities, cleanliness, beauty, stalls, warungs, hawker centres and facilities for small traders,” he said.
Anwar was speaking at a dinner marking the Golden Jubilee of the Federation of Malay Hawkers and Small Traders Associations of Malaysia (GPPPKMM) last night.
In Kuala Lumpur, he said he had instructed Kuala Lumpur City Hall to redevelop between 60 to 70 stalls and create a more comfortable food court for Malay hawkers.
Though often seen as minor contributors, Anwar emphasised that the contribution of Malay small traders to urban communities is significant, with 80 percent of citizens choosing to shop at small stalls.
“It is therefore unreasonable for the government to sideline hawkers and small traders when formulating national development policies,” he added.
At the same event, Anwar also announced a RM500,000 allocation to GPPPKMM. - August 23, 2025
