ABOUT 20,000 people are expected to attend the “Malaysia Stands with Palestine” rally at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, tonight.

Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim) president Muhamad Faizal Abdul Aziz said the gathering is scheduled to begin with Maghrib prayers, followed by a hajat prayer led by Palestinian Qari and Imam, Shaykh Rami As-Sousi.

“The gathering will focus on the commitment speeches of leaders of civil society groups and political parties representing Malaysians consistent with the Palestinian people’s struggle, while the highlight will undoubtedly be the speech by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim himself,” he said when contacted by Bernama.

With Abim and Global Peace Malaysia as the main organisers, the gathering scheduled from 7.30 to 10.30pm will also involve more than 40 civil society groups such as Malaysian Humanitarian Aid And Relief (Mahar) and the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations.

“We hope that the struggle to defend the Palestinian people will continue because for Abim, this organised gathering is not the end, but as a fresh start for Malaysians and the international community to continue fighting for the rights of the Palestinian people.

“It is our hope that the next generation will embrace this struggle so that the Zionist Israeli occupation of Palestine ends,” he said.

He also said Abim had sent three memoranda to the relevant parties this week to express the anger of the Malaysian people over the tyranny of Israel as well as calls from the rest of the world, denouncing Israel.

Meanwhile, Mahar president Jismi Johari said tonight’s programme was held not only to show Malaysians’ support for the Palestinians, but also to educate the public about the history and development of the conflict that plagued the Middle Eastern country.

“The purpose of the gathering is to gather and show solidarity. But we want to educate the public about what is actually happening in Palestine and why we need to know.

“The public can come to listen to the speeches on what is actually going on in Palestine. This is a good opportunity to get as much as information as possible on this issue, and only then you can tell others about why we are standing behind Palestine. This issue is not only about religious struggle, but it also involves issues related to human rights,” he said.

He said the participants of tonight’s rally were encouraged to wear white clothes and wave the Palestinian flag and Jalur Gemilang as a sign of Malaysia’s solidarity with Palestine.

“I also advise people who want to participate in this gathering to come early because the stadium doors will open at 6.30pm and we are preparing various programmes and interesting events for participants.

“We will have food trucks for participants to get food. During the programme, there will also be a special performance by some of the country’s leading artists including Siti Nurhaliza and Faizal Tahir,” he added. – Bernama, October 24, 2023.