News that 23 Malaysians aboard vessels delivering aid to Gaza as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla were detained by Israeli forces today brought back dark memories for Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
Ahmad Faizal, the former Perak menteri besar and Youth and Sports minister, was among six Malaysians on board the MV Rachel Corrie during the 2010 Gaza Freedom Flotilla. That year, 688 participants from 41 nations were involved, and 10 activists were killed while dozens were injured when Israeli commandos raided the MV Mavi Marmara in international waters. The ship was carrying humanitarian aid.
“To all those taken hostage – Malaysians and others – use this time to rest and recover. You have been on a long voyage, spending weeks and months on board. You are all heroes,” Ahmad Faizal said.
“Stay calm, pray, and keep your family in your thoughts. Their memories will give you strength to endure. Families must pray for their safety but also pressure their governments to negotiate for their safe return.”
Earlier today, several flotilla vessels carrying humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza were stopped by Israeli forces. Bernama reported that among the Malaysians detained were Nur Fazelah Mad Tahil, Musa Nuwayri, Iylia Balqis Suhaimi, Sul Aidil, Haikal Abdullah, Muaz Zainal, Zulfadhli Khairudin, Rusydi Ramli, Heliza and Hazwani Helmi, Nurfarahin Romli, Danish Nazram, Muhammad Hareez Adzrami, Muhd Haikal Luqman Zulkefli and Taufiq Mohd Razif.
Ahmad Faizal urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Wisma Putra to take all necessary steps to secure the hostages’ safe return. He noted that although Malaysia has no diplomatic ties with Israel, Anwar could leverage his position as Asean chairman to seek assistance from countries that do.
“Israel has embassies in Bangkok, Hanoi, Manila, Singapore, and Yangon. Their envoy in Vietnam is accredited to Laos, and their representative in Thailand covers Cambodia. If I remember correctly, the Thai authorities helped Malaysia negotiate our release in 2010,” he said.
Speaking to Twentytwo13, Ahmad Faizal emphasised that hostages should not sign any documents.
“During my interrogation, they gave me a document in Hebrew to sign. I asked what it was, but they didn’t explain. I refused to sign because I wanted to know what it said. Communication was a problem as their English was poor.”
Recalling his own detention, he said he didn’t know how long he would be held or if he would face charges.
“What gave me strength was thinking of my family. I knew I had to return to them and watch my children grow. I prayed to God for release. There was so much uncertainty, but I had to stay strong, even though it was not easy.”
He added that the international community must speak out against the actions of Israel and its allies, including the United States.
“If every citizen in the world voices their opposition, change can happen.”
This evening, Anwar said he would contact US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as well as leaders in Qatar, Turkiye and Egypt, to seek international intervention.
“Upon learning that Malaysians had been detained, I immediately contacted the prime minister of Qatar. Later today, I will contact the president of Egypt. Along with the foreign minister, we will reach out to other counterparts, including the US Secretary of State,” he said during a YouTube Live session.
Anwar stressed that the flotilla participants were helping those in need.
“They are being accused of wrongdoings despite assisting the weak, sick, and hungry. If this cannot be done, then humanitarian values mean nothing. I hope Israel’s actions will end and aid can reach the people of Gaza,” he added.
