MALAYSIA remains unwavering in its opposition to colonialism and oppression, standing firmly with Palestine as part of its enduring commitment to justice and human dignity, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said during a major solidarity gathering in Kuala Lumpur.
Speaking at the ‘Karnival Sumud Nusantara 2025: Malam Himpunan dan Selawat Malaysiaku Bersama Gaza’ at Dataran Merdeka last night, Anwar underscored that the Palestinian cause transcends politics, calling it a humanitarian tragedy that should unite the global conscience.
“The struggle of the Palestinian people is not merely a political issue, but a humanitarian tragedy that must be collectively rejected by all of humanity,” he declared.
Anwar affirmed that Malaysia’s position on Palestine is rooted in its own historical experience with colonial rule and its subsequent independence.
“Malaysia has always consistently opposed colonialism and oppression, whether in Palestine or elsewhere. The spirit of our 1957 independence proves that people have the right to determine their own future without foreign domination,” he said.
Referring to his consistent advocacy for Palestine, Anwar remarked, “In the past, I spoke harshly. Now as Prime Minister, I use the power I have to its fullest extent. Whether engaging with leaders from the Islamic world, Japan, or China, I have never abandoned my brothers and sisters in Gaza and Palestine.”
He openly criticised the inaction of global powers in addressing the continued occupation of Palestinian territories.
“Why did we reject colonialism in the past, but the world continues to allow Palestine to remain under occupation? What excuse can justify the murder of innocent children and women? These are questions that must be answered by the world powers,” he said.
During the event, Anwar announced an additional allocation of RM100 million in humanitarian assistance for Gaza, matching a previous contribution made two years ago.
“Tonight, on behalf of the MADANI government, I announce an additional RM100 million for Gaza,” he stated.
He also urged private companies to contribute towards alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people. “I will be calling on our corporate partners to continue their support. They have contributed before, and I expect them to do so again,” he added.
In front of thousands gathered at the iconic Dataran Merdeka, Anwar described the actions of the Israeli regime as inhumane and morally reprehensible.
“This is not human behaviour; this is animalistic. People are starving, dying of hunger, yet food is blocked at the border. The sick cannot receive medicine because aid is fenced off. Even the worst kind of person would not commit such acts,” he said.
He also condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of exploiting accusations of Hamas affiliation to justify indiscriminate violence.
“Netanyahu and his clique are deranged. They claim even toddlers are Hamas. A two-year-old running in fear is labelled a terrorist. This is a sickness,” Anwar stated.
He called for unity among Malaysians in supporting Gaza, urging the public to avoid division and build a stronger, more compassionate society.
“Do not plant seeds of hatred and division among ourselves. Build new strength. To our youth, I say: rise, protect this nation, make it truly independent and dignified. Only then can we help others,” he said.
Anwar further condemned the Israeli regime for launching continuous assaults on Gaza, targeting hospitals, schools, women, and children, using starvation and blockade of aid as instruments of war.
“I am 78 years old, and in my lifetime, I have never seen, read, or heard of people as cruel as this,” he remarked.
The Prime Minister's keynote was delivered in the presence of senior government officials, including Minister of Communications Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Religious Affairs Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Federal Territories Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
Also present were Muhammad Nadir Al-Nuri Kamaruzaman, Director-General of Sumud Nusantara and CEO of Cinta Gaza Malaysia, as well as Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby, CEO of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (MAPIM), who were acknowledged by Anwar for their continued efforts in organising solidarity initiatives. - August 25, 2025
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