Govt to hold rally for Palestine on Sunday

Government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil says the gathering is open to the public and ‘all parties’ for them to express their support for Palestine.

(FMT) – The Cabinet has agreed to hold a cross-party rally in solidarity with Palestine this Sunday, says government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil.

At a press conference, he said the gathering will be held at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, at 8pm this Sunday.

Fahmi, who is also the communications minister, said the public and “all parties” are invited to attend the gathering, adding that the event will provide a platform for everyone to express their support for Palestine.

“We hope this will send a clear signal to the international community that the Malaysian people’s stand on the plight of the Palestinians remains unchanged. We will continue to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people,” he said.

He added that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and other government leaders are expected to be in attendance.

Yesterday, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an airstrike in Tehran, Iran, where he was attending the inauguration of the country’s new president.

Malaysian politicians from across the divide reacted with outrage to Ismail’s killing, with PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang condemning the “cowardly Israel” and Anwar paying tribute to the late Hamas leader, whom he described as “a dear friend and valiant advocate for his people”.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said the government is seeking clarification from Meta over the removal of posts from Anwar’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts, including his tribute to Haniyeh.

“At this time, there are several possibilities: it may have been taken down automatically by Meta or as a result of public complaints.”

Yesterday, the Prime Minister’s Office said Meta had removed a post on the prime minister’s Facebook page of Anwar meeting Haniyeh in Qatar two months ago.

Earlier today, checks by FMT found that the English versions of Anwar’s postings on Facebook and Instagram condemning the assassination of Haniyeh had also been taken down by Meta.

Anwar responded by slamming Meta for disrespecting and insulting the Palestinian people’s struggle by removing his tribute for the late Hamas leader.