For the third consecutive day, thousands gathered in the capital in solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) volunteers detained by Israeli forces.
Today’s gathering took place in front of the Sogo shopping complex at around 2pm, where participants also voiced opposition to the proposed Urban Renewal Bill.
Crowds began assembling as early as 1pm, with another group marching from Kampung Baru towards Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. Many were seen waving Palestinian flags, wearing keffiyeh scarves and headbands, and carrying banners rejecting the bill.
PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan described the proposed URA as a “cruel and unconstitutional law” that could enable what he termed an urban land grab by developers.
He said the bill appeared to contradict Article 13 of the Federal Constitution, which guarantees fair compensation for land acquisition.
Pejuang information chief Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali also called for unity in condemning Israel’s interception of the flotilla, describing it as an attack on a humanitarian mission.
He praised the 23 Malaysian volunteers detained as “heroes and heroines of the nation” whose efforts reflected Malaysia’s long-standing commitment to humanitarian causes.
Rafique further said that the flotilla’s mission symbolised broader struggles for justice and sovereignty faced by Palestinians, drawing parallels with domestic issues of displacement.
He rejected claims that political parties were exploiting the Palestinian issue, stressing that solidarity transcends political lines.
Commenting on reports that former United States president Donald Trump might visit Malaysia, Rafique said the timing was “highly inappropriate” given Washington’s continued support for Israel, including its recent veto of a United Nations ceasefire resolution.
He said that the visit could provoke public dissatisfaction and urged the government to remain firm in upholding Asean’s principles of non-aggression and equality among nations.
Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, addressing the crowd, said “The opposition rejected the Bill from the outset, and even some Umno members of Parliament have since expressed similar concerns.”
He said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had acknowledged in Parliament that the bill could be amended if found to be unfair.
He also criticised Israeli actions in Gaza and urged Malaysia to take a stronger diplomatic stance following the detention of flotilla activists in international waters. – source NSTP
