Azmin: Red carpet for Trump betrays M'sians detained by Israel

Summary

• Perikatan Nasional secretary-general Azmin Ali demands that the government rescind US President Donald Trump’s invitation to the upcoming Asean Summit, citing Israel’s detention of Malaysian activists.

• He says Putrajaya will be betraying Malaysians if it “rolls out the red carpet” for Trump while citizens are unjustly held.

Perikatan Nasional secretary-general Azmin Ali called on the government to withdraw its invitation for US President Donald Trump to attend the upcoming Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur.

Azmin said it is unacceptable for the government “to roll out the red carpet” for Trump in light of the detention of Malaysian citizens who are part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF).

“Taxpayers’ money should not be spent to host those who enable oppression.

“If the government fails to act, Malaysia will be complicit in silence and betrayal of its own people and principles,” he said in a statement today.

Yesterday, Bernama reported the Foreign Ministry as saying that 15 Malaysians detained by Israel for their involvement in the GSF are safe and will soon be deported to other countries.

The Malay Mail also reported today that the Foreign Ministry has received information on all 23 Malaysian activists detained by Israeli authorities.

In response, Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh urged Putrajaya to consider rescinding its invitation to Trump 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.

A demonstration was also held outside the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, with around 40 people turning up to protest against the detention of the Malaysian activists.

‘M’sia cannot remain silent or passive’

Commenting further, Azmin called on Malaysia, as the Asean chair, to lead a united regional voice in condemning Israel for its actions.

He also demanded that the government take measures to secure the immediate release of the Malaysian activists.

“The safety, dignity and freedom of Malaysians must be protected at all costs, and no government should ever allow its people to be treated as bargaining chips in the face of oppression,” he said.

He further urged the government to treat the issue as one concerning the country’s dignity.

“This outrageous act is a clear breach of international law, a direct affront to Malaysia’s sovereignty and an insult to universal humanitarian values. 

“Malaysia cannot remain silent or passive when its citizens are unjustly detained, as to do so would be a disservice to our people and a stain on our nation’s honour,” he added.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned Israel’s actions, stressing the ships were only carrying life-saving humanitarian supplies for Palestinians in Gaza.

He said it reflected Israel’s disregard not only for the rights of Palestinians but also for the global conscience.

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