SANDAKAN: More than 3,000 people turned up to welcome back three Sabahan humanitarian activists who took part in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) mission to Gaza during the Solidarity for Palestine Programme held at Piazza Harbour Mall on Sunday.
Zizi Kirana from Semporna, Sul Aidil Sudi from Tawau and Khairul Azlee Mohd Yunus from Sandakan were part of the Malaysian GSF team, with Khairul serving as part of the land crew based in Spain.
The homecoming celebration was officiated by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Zulkifli Hassan and attended by Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Amirudin Shari, Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, United Sabah Islamic Association (Usia) Deputy President and Sandakan Usia Chief Datuk Alipudin Puyon and Sandakan Usia Youth Chief Mohamad Sufan Bahrin.
Earlier, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor on Monday met with Sul Aidil Sudi, one of the Malaysian participants.
Hajiji commended Sul’s courage after hearing his account of the ordeal when the GSF vessel was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters near Gaza.
“I am glad that you and your teammates returned home safely,” Hajiji told Sul, who hails from Tawau, during a luncheon at Sri Gaya.
Also present was Khairul Azlee Mohd Yunus from Sandakan, who served as part of the Malaysian GSF ground crew in Spain.
The Global Sumud Flotilla was an international maritime initiative launched in mid-2025 aimed at delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and breaking the Israeli blockade.
However, it was intercepted by Israeli forces while there.
“The overwhelming welcome today shows how deeply people appreciate what these activists endured, including being detained by the Israelis,” said Zulkifli.
He said the GSF mission shifted global awareness of the Gaza issue beyond religion or race, framing it as a humanitarian concern.
“The mission was not a failure. It exposed the cruelty of the Zionist regime and highlighted their lack of humanity,” he said.
Zulkifli added that the Government remains open to collaborating with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in ongoing humanitarian efforts, saying the partnership between government agencies and civil society is crucial.
Among such collaborations are Operation Ehsan, a Government-led initiative delivering aid to Gaza, and joint efforts with Japan to rebuild war-torn areas of Palestine.
Sharing her experience, Zizi said the resilience of women in Gaza should serve as a source of inspiration for others to continue standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
“We must not feel detached or indifferent. We should stay informed about what’s happening in Gaza – a blessed land that deserves our attention and compassion,” she said.
"Everyone, men and women alike, has their own role in this struggle. Let’s continue to fight for Palestine in whatever way we can,” she added.
Zizi expressed gratitude for the support she received from her family, friends and community, urging Malaysians to start humanitarian work close to home.
“Start with your neighbours – learn about their struggles, help your family and community first. From there, we can extend kindness to others,” she said.
“If you wish to do good, don’t delay. Every act of kindness multiplies.” For Sul, activism has been a lifelong journey that began during his school and university years. “I’ve long been involved in humanitarian activities around Tawau,” he said.
Originally a videographer and video editor, Sul said joining the flotilla was the realisation of a long-held dream.
“I didn’t join the mission as a cameraman, but as one of the participants. My prayer to contribute directly to the cause was answered,” he said.
He urged young Sabahans to take up the mantle of service and step forward in humanitarian work.
“Our generation has an even greater role to play. If destined, I’ll return to Sabah to help empower the youth here,” he added.
Meanwhile, Khairul said Sumud Nusantara’s participation in the flotilla carried a universal message of humanity.
“The language of humanity transcends religion and ideology – it’s a language understood by all people,” he said.
“Participants came from five continents and 44 countries, each with different beliefs and backgrounds. Yet when it came to humanitarian values, everyone stood united,” he added.
Khairul highlighted that despite two years of genocide in Gaza, there has been little concrete global action beyond summits and roundtable discussions.
“That’s why we acted – by sending the Global Sumud Flotilla with humanitarian supplies. Even though we were intercepted, we managed to ‘break the silence’ and inspire further aid deliveries into Gaza,” he said.
He said the mission’s impact was evident, as peace discussions later took place among 21 countries, leading to a temporary ceasefire.
“This effort shattered global silence – the world took notice,” he said.
“Even countries like Italy and Spain, once hesitant due to alliances, could no longer ignore public pressure and moral responsibility.”Khairul said the mission proved that collective humanitarian action can create real change.
Programme organiser Mohamad Sufan Bahrin said the event in Sandakan gave locals a rare opportunity to hear first-hand accounts from the three Sabahans.
“Their courage and experience will undoubtedly inspire more Sabahans to engage in humanitarian work and global solidarity efforts,” he said.
