PM Anwar Announces Additional RM100 Mln In Aid For Gaza

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tonight announced an additional RM100 million in humanitarian aid for Gaza, reaffirming Malaysia’s continued commitment to supporting Palestinians amid the worsening crisis.

Speaking at the Malam Himpunan dan Selawat Malaysiaku Bersama Gaza gathering at Dataran Merdeka, Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the allocation follows a similar RM100 million approved by the government two years ago.

"Tonight, I announce that Malaysia will contribute another RM100 million to assist the people of Palestine," he said during his keynote address, delivered before thousands in attendance.

Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

Non-governmental organisation (NGO) leaders, including Sumud Nusantara director-general and Cinta Gaza Malaysia chief executive officer (CEO) Muhammad Nadir Al-Nuri Kamaruzaman, and Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (MAPIM) CEO Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby, were also in attendance.

Anwar noted that Malaysia had previously facilitated medical treatment for injured Palestinians brought to the country on two separate flights.

“Many have since returned home after treatment. For the children who remain, we’re providing education, support and essential services,” he said.

Anwar also urged major corporations to step forward with aid for the Palestinian people, calling on them to reflect on the peace and freedom enjoyed in Malaysia as a reason to support those in hardship.

"I will continue encouraging friends and partners to remain committed to the Palestinian cause. While many have extended various forms of aid in the past, the Zionist regime has destroyed much of it," he said.

The event marked the culmination of the Sumud Nusantara Carnival 2025, which began last Friday. It was jointly organised by MAPIM and Cinta Gaza Malaysia, under the patronage of the Prime Minister.

The evening featured special prayers (solat hajat) for Gaza’s liberation, a sermon by a prominent preacher, the recitation of Qunut Nazilah, and Selawat performances by qasidah group Majelis AzZahir, led by Habib Ali Zainal Abidin Assegaf.

Earlier, Sani Araby read the Sumud Nusantara Declaration, reaffirming Malaysia’s strong commitment to the Palestinian struggle.

The Prime Minister also flagged off the Sumud Nusantara 2025 Gaza Flotilla Convoy, comprising delegates from Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, the Philippines and Thailand.

-- BERNAMA