Don't prejudge Anwar, let him speak at Palestine rally tonight: PKR MP

A PKR lawmaker has jumped to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s defence after the latter was accused of “hypocrisy” in his support for Palestine.

Last night, organisers of a pro-Palestine rally urged Anwar to end the hypocrisy of condemning the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh while allowing a controversial sale of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) shares to continue.

Speaking to Malaysiakini today, Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim expressed his trust in Anwar’s stance and commitment to opposing Israel’s military aggression against Palestine since its onset.

“Let him speak tonight (at the government’s Palestine solidarity rally) as our leader.

“It’s not good to prejudge him,” Hassan (above) said.

The Palestine solidarity rally will be held at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil and Anwar is set to deliver a speech.

Yesterday, Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal urged pro-Palestine supporters to boycott the government’s gathering.

The Machang MP argued it was hypocritical for the government to show solidarity with Palestine when it was continuing with the sale of MAHB shares to Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP).

GIP is in the process of being taken over by Blackrock, a major investor in the Israeli military.

Actions speak louder than words

While pointing out that the upcoming rally at Axiata Arena demonstrates Anwar’s progressive and unwavering support for Palestine, Hassan reminded the premier that “concrete action speaks louder than mere words, slogans, shouting, or political gatherings”.

“The moment of truth for Anwar, whether he is serious about standing up for Palestine - especially after the killing of Ismail - is to cancel the sale of the MAHB shares to GIP, which is controlled by Blackrock.

“Please make the important announcement tonight to the world as Malaysians are in solidarity with Palestine’s struggle,” he added.

On May 15, Khazanah Nasional Berhad revealed that the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and GIP, through GIP Aurea Pte Ltd, would form a consortium to acquire shares in the airport operator.

The decision courted flak from various quarters after it was found that Blackrock, a company perceived to have ties with Israel, is acquiring GIP.

GIP will have an effective stake of 25 percent in MAHB if the deal goes through.

However, Anwar defended the decision, saying Malaysia’s economy would be impacted if it were to cut ties with all Israel-linked companies.

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