Speaking up for the Palestinians
by Salina Khalid

THOUSANDS of people came to the “Save The Palesinians” campaign held at the Bangsar Sports Complex recently.

Organised by the Coalition of Malaysian NGOs Against Persecution of Palestinians (Complete), the event was to condemn the war in Gaza and to boost public awareness on the situation.

Although the programme was scheduled to start at 10am, people were seen crowding the sports complex much earlier.

Caring: Students making their pledge at `Save The Palestinians’ campaign.

There were booths providing information about the conflict and the issues involved. They also provided information on the NGOs involved in the campaign and how the public could be part of the effort.

The highlight of the event was a talk by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who was accompanied by his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali and daughter Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir.

JUST president Dr Chandra Muzaffar and PACE director Dr Hafidzi M. Noor also gave talks.

Other speakers touched on the Palestinian issue from the Islamic perspective and about the Christian response to the Palestinian tragedy.

A Palestinian from the West Bank who is now living in Kuala Lumpur also gave a personal account of the situation in Gaza.

In addition to the talks, guests also had a chance to listen to the plea made by children, calling for an end to the massacre in Palestine via songs. Local artiste, Datuk Sheila Majid also made a sincere call for an end to the war and the killing of the innocent.

“The response was overwhelming and more than we expected,” said Complete chairman Mohd Adnan Tahir.

Creating awareness: One of the booths at ‘Save The Palestinians’ campaign.

He added that the campaign, which would be carried out on a long-term basis, was to create an awareness on the history of Palestinians and their plight, as well as garner support from the Malaysian public, regardless of race and religion.

It was also aimed at exerting pressure on Malaysian and foreign governments to highlight and work on a comprehensive and just solution to the crisis. They are also raising funds for the Palestinians.

After lunch, about 300 volunteers, comprising mainly students from higher learning institutions, went around distributing fliers on the campaign.

Formed on Jan 5, Complete was set up in response to the war in Gaza. It consists of more than 50 NGOs.

For further information about the coalition, visit http://completemalaysia.blogspot.com. Enquiries can also be sent to complete@gmail.com or contact Azra at 016-209 4500.