Kuala lumpur: The “Malam Himpunan dan Selawat Malaysiaku Bersama Gaza” gathering is set to take place at Dataran Merdeka on August 24 as part of the Sumud Nusantara Carnival 2025. The event aims to show solidarity with Gaza and is organized by MAPIM Malaysia and Cinta Gaza Malaysia, in collaboration with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia, and MyAqsaDefender. The carnival will span three days, starting August 22.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the event on Sunday will commence at 5 pm with the arrival of the Sumud Nusantara Convoy. This will be followed by public addresses from Gaza figures and activists, congregational Maghrib prayers, and a special solat hajat led by Sheikh Abdul Karim Omar Al-Fatani Al-Makki. The program will also feature a ‘Tausiyah Peduli Ummah’ by Habib Ali Zainal Abidin Al-Hamid and Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin. Additionally, the Az Zahir group will perform a selawat and qasidah recital.
Adding to the event’s significance, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to attend and deliver a special address. The evening will also include the symbolic flag-off of the Sumud Nusantara delegation for the Gaza Flotilla and a Qunut Nazilah supplication, concluding at midnight.
Sumud Nusantara is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), comprising over 70 vessels from 39 countries, including Spain and Tunisia. The initiative aims to deliver humanitarian aid and advocate for the end of the blockade on Gaza through maritime routes.
MAPIM president Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid, who serves as an adviser to the Sumud Flotilla, emphasized the involvement of various international NGOs from the Middle East, Europe, ASEAN, and Latin America. He highlighted the importance of government participation to ensure the mission’s success and to communicate Malaysia’s humanitarian message globally.
Mohd Azmi stressed the need for solidarity, stating that the people of Gaza should not be displaced and that humanitarian aid must reach them. He called for unity among mosques, NGOs, and the public to uphold justice and defend human rights. He also encouraged attendees to bring their own mats, prayer mats, and umbrellas, and to dress in white as a symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
He urged participants to wear white-themed attire and bring symbols of ‘Gaza Bangkit’ to demonstrate support for the Palestinian struggle.