KUALA LUMPUR – Senior Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, has called on the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Arab League, the United Nations (UN) and Muslims the world over to take decisive action to stop the atrocities committed by the Israeli regime on Palestinian land.
He said that the Palestinian issue was beyond the issue of Muslims and it was a universal humanitarian issue that needed the world’s attention.
“The misery and suffering of Muslims on Palestinian soil must be stopped,” he said in a statement today.
Ismail Sabri also strongly condemned the inhumane attack by the Israeli Zionist regime on Palestinian land, especially at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, a few days before the first day of Syawal.
He said that this was not the first time Israel has attacked Palestine when Muslims were in the last phase of Ramadan and were preparing to celebrate the arrival of Aidilfitri.
He said that the Israeli military attack was not only inhumane but also violated the rights of the Palestinian people who ultimately saw many innocent people, including children, killed.
“I call on all Muslims, especially in Malaysia, let us pray to Allah for the well-being of Muslims there, and together continue to protest in solidarity with our brothers in Al-Quds,” he said.
State contribution
The Kelantan government in a related development has announced a contribution of RM100,000 through the ‘Tabung Serambi Mekah’ fund to the Palestinian cause.
Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob said the contribution would be delivered directly to Palestinians who are currently in dire need of financial assistance.
He said the Zionist regime’s actions were not only cruel and inhumane but also violated humanitarian principles and policies set by Western nations themselves.
“I am closely following the situation faced by the Palestinians; the struggle of the Palestinians certainly requires the prayers of Muslims from all over the world. The struggle of the Palestinians must also be aided through contributions from all of us.
“Based on this solidarity, the Kelantan state government through Tabung Serambi Mekah will channel a contribution of RM100,000 as a sign of being united in the struggle to liberate the Palestinian land from the cruelty of the Zionist regime,” he said in a statement here today.
Ahmad also invited the public to contribute to the cause through the fund, which would be accepting donations from today until Wednesday (May 19).
“The contributions can be channelled through the Darulnaim Welfare Trust Fund (Tabung Serambi Mekah) 03018010080024 (Bank Islam),” he said, adding that the details and proof of the contribution should then be sent via WhatsApp to Mohd Roshdi Ismail (013-9015602).
Meanwhile, the Menteri Besar’s press secretary, Mohd Khairul Padli Baduldin, said in response to the call for donations to Muslims in Palestine, Ahmad had pledged a personal contribution of RM10,000 through the fund.
Act decisively
Perlis Mufti, Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin meanwhile said that the United Nations (UN) should use its power as the world body to stop the inhumane treatment by Israel.
He said UN needs to act more decisively to protect the Palestinians, who continue to be oppressed by the Israeli regime on their own soil.
“It is very unfortunate that the UN has failed to issue a statement and take more decisive action.
“Salute to the Palestinians for having remained focused and undeterred despite being oppressed, and they have proved to the world that they refused to bow to oppression and evil,” he told reporters when met after the Aidilfitri prayers at the Dataran Istiadat, Istana Arau today.
On Monday (May 10) airstrikes launched by Israeli regime troops in the Gaza Strip have resulted in deaths and injuries to Palestinians, including children.
Earlier, the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail, joined the Aidilfitri prayers which followed strict adherence to the standard operating procedures set by the National Security Council.
Also present were Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, and his children Sharifah Khatreena Nuraniah, Sharifah Farah Adriana and Syed Sirajuddin Areeb Putra.
Perlis Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Azlan Man, and state exco members were also in attendance.
Mohd Asri said that Perlis had a good relationship with the imam of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and had visited the mosque to provide assistance.
