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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has lauded the bravery and sacrifice of 23 Malaysian activists who were recently detained by Israeli forces during the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a humanitarian mission aiming to break the Gaza blockade and deliver aid to Palestinians.
Speaking at the ‘Himpunan Solidariti Bersama Gaza’ gathering at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil last night, Anwar said the mission marked a historic moment for Malaysia, highlighting the courage of young Malaysians who risked their lives in a genuine act of global solidarity.
“This is not a trip to Paris; this is going to Gaza, which is under Israeli control. As a father, I was, of course, worried because I knew they were heading into a period of hardship,” said Anwar, who is also the patron of Sumud Nusantara, the Malaysian body linked to the GSF initiative.
“But I respect them because these young Malaysians have made history. They do not just speak — they act in a true jihad,” he added.
The flotilla, comprising over 500 activists from 44 countries, was intercepted in international waters by Israeli forces on 2 October. The 23 Malaysian participants were among those detained and taken to the port of Ashdod. Their release was secured on 4 October following diplomatic intervention by the Malaysian Prime Minister and support from the Turkish government.
Anwar criticised detractors who questioned the activists’ intentions.
“Some people say their intentions are not pure, that they just want to be famous or promote their institutions — what kind of people are these?” he asked. “You don’t have the courage to go; at least pray for those who do. That’s the least you can do.”
The Malaysian delegation included singer Heliza Helmi, her sister Nur Hazwani Afiqah, social activist Nurfarahin Romli (also known as Farah Lee), singer Zizi Kirana, and other notable figures such as influencer Ardell Aryana and preacher PU Rahmat. They were spread across several vessels, including the Hio, Grande Blu, Huga, Mikeno, and Free Willy.
In emotional recounts during the solidarity event, several of the activists described their harrowing treatment at the hands of Israeli forces.
Farah Lee, aboard the Grande Blu, said she was handcuffed and denied water during her detention, prompting her and others to protest.
“We told them we would not go back into the cell if the soldiers did not give us water,” she said. “I was pulled, pushed and thrown into the cell… but I remained brave, I continued to look into the eyes of those Israeli soldiers.”
Singer and activist Zizi Kirana, who was on the vessel Huga, recalled being detained under harsh conditions.
“I was left under the scorching sun for an hour and a half with my companion… our hijabs were pulled and removed, but we remained steadfast. In our hearts, we could only say ‘Ya Allah,’ because this is exactly what the women of Gaza go through,” she said.
She also recalled an encounter at the Israeli immigration counter.
“When they said, ‘Welcome to Israel, have you been to Israel before?’, I confidently replied, ‘You should open and read the first page of my passport, that you are not recognised in my country.’ They immediately threw my passport and dragged me to the next table,” she recounted.
Other activists echoed the same sense of resolve and gratitude. Nur Hazwani Afiqah expressed deep appreciation for the Malaysian government's swift diplomatic response.
“We were truly surprised because among those released early from prison was our group. It happened thanks to the strong support from the Malaysian government,” she said.
Influencer Ardell Aryana thanked the Prime Minister and the Malaysian public for their prayers and support.
“The spirit we carried was actually the spirit of all of you. I am grateful to the Prime Minister for working tirelessly to secure our release, and to everyone who continues to support the struggle for Palestinian freedom,” she said.
The group of 23 Malaysian activists returned safely to Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 late last night, where they were welcomed home with emotion and gratitude from families, supporters, and government representatives.
Their mission has since drawn global attention, with their courage becoming a symbol of solidarity in the ongoing Palestinian struggle. - October 9, 2025
