Akmal vows to confront Trump in KL over Sumud Flotilla detentions

Criticism over US President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to Malaysia has intensified amid Israeli attacks against five Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) ships. 

In particular, Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh urged Putrajaya to consider rescinding its invitation to Trump to attend the upcoming Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur if the Malaysian activists on board the ships are not immediately released.

If the government insists on allowing Trump’s attendance, Akmal threatened to mobilise Umno Youth’s nationwide forces and stage a protest “in front of Trump” once the foreign leader is in Kuala Lumpur. 

“Let us face Trump head-on! Hurting them (GSF activists) is the same as hurting all of us Malaysians!” the Merlimau assemblyperson said on Facebook today. 

Expressing similar sentiments as Akmal, Bersatu Youth chief Hilman Idham said as Asean chair, Malaysia must lead the regional voice in demanding justice, “not bow down to roll out the red carpet” for Trump at the Asean Summit.

“Taxpayers’ money is unlawfully being used to welcome someone complicit in oppression… the government must firmly assert that we will not compromise with any power that shields tyranny,” Hilman said in a statement today.

He highlighted that the interception of the vessels en route to delivering aid is a clear breach of international conventions and laws which prohibit obstructions against humanitarian assistance, particularly those carrying essential goods.

He also called on Putrajaya to address the issue as one concerning national sovereignty and the dignity of its people.

“Malaysian citizens cannot be reduced to pawns in the hands of oppressors.

“Their safety must be defended as a national interest beyond political lines,” he added.

PAS protest at US Embassy

PAS Youth is organising a protest later this evening, with the gathering set to march to the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur around 4pm.

According to a poster uploaded to PAS Youth’s Facebook, supporters will first meet at The Linc KL before proceeding to the embassy.

Another solidarity gathering was also initiated outside the embassy by youth group Mandiri, which called for a cease in normalising engagements with individuals who defend occupation and violence against the Palestinians.

In a statement, the group urged Putrajaya to issue regular reports on the status and actions taken concerning the detention of the 13 Malaysians part of the GSF mission, as well as ensure the welfare of the detainees’ family members.

At least 8 M’sians detained

Earlier, it was reported that 13 Malaysians on board five GSF ships had lost contact with the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) after being intercepted by Israeli forces in Gaza waters.

As of 6am Malaysian time, eight of them, including singer Zizi Kirana, whose real name is Nur Fazelah Mad Tahil, on board the vessel Huga, were confirmed to be detained by Israeli forces.

Others detained were Musa Nuwayri, Iylia Balqis, and Sul Aidil from the vessel Alma, while Haikal Abdullah, Muaz Zainal, Zulfadhli Khiduddin, and Rusydi Ramli were on Sirius.

The status of five others - independent preacher Rahmat Ikhsan, Norhelmi, Asmawi, and Norazman, who were on Estrella, as well as actress Ardell Aryana on Mikeno - remains unknown.

SNCC director-general Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby said that apart from jamming communications with radar jammers, the GSF convoy was also attacked with water cannons by Israeli military vessels, which targeted smaller ships to stop them from entering Red Zone R2.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has since strongly condemned Israel’s interception of the GSF, adding that the action reflects Israel’s disregard not only for the rights of Palestinians but also for the global conscience.

On Tuesday, in defending the invitation extended to Trump to attend the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur this month, the Prime Minister’s Office said the “principles of diplomacy demand that we speak the truth face-to-face, not avoid it.”

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