Minab Tragedy Underscores Need For Unity Against Tyranny, Says Iranian Diplomat

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 (Bernama) -- The attack on Minab Shajarah Tayyibah School should serve as a wake-up call for the global community to stand firm against oppression and tyranny, said Iranian Embassy in Malaysia Cultural Counsellor, Dr Habibreza Arzani.

Speaking at an event in remembrance of the 168 schoolchildren who lost their lives in a missile strike on the first day of the United States (US)-Israeli war on Iran in February, he said the event not only served as a universal awakening for modern society, but also highlighted the importance of unity of the ummah.

“This is a message for all of humanity that they should wake up. These schools, of course they (the students) were Iranian, but they were human beings and innocent human beings. 

“The most important thing for Muslim community is unity. If we are going to be united with tongue (voice), heart, and deeds, definitely no one is going to attack and bring oppression amongst us,” he told Bernama here at the event held at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, here on Wednesday.

Organised by the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (MAPIM), the event also commemorated the 37th anniversary of the passing of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Iran’s first supreme leader.

Speaking at the event, MAPIM President Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid said the Minab tragedy is a message to the world community that there is no other way but to build a “unity of humanity.”

“It is even more relevant to Malaysia because we are multicultural and the condition here is very sensitive if we are not careful. Therefore, the society needs to reflect on the message we are sending out today and to exercise caution in handling sensitive issues,” he said.

According to him, the situation in the world today is precarious due to the manoeuvring of great powers in competition to dominate the global stage.

At the event, Mohd Azmi also launched his latest book, Minab 168 Children Bathed in Fire, The Untold Story of US-Israeli Brutality and Crimes against Humanity, to mark the tragedy.

Mohd Azmi said the book was put together within two weeks as a result of his having sleepless nights and being emotionally affected by the atrocity.

"The book is a light read and not too academic. I welcome any parties who would like to translate this book into Chinese and Tamil.

“It is also my hope that this book can serve as a guide for the NGOs that are involved in humanitarian causes. May they get the message we want to deliver on this Iranian issue,” he said.

The event was jointly organised by Iran Cultural Centre, Secretariat of Asian Region Islamic Scholars (SHURA), Alliance of World Mosques in Defence of Al Aqsa (MANAR), and Global People Welfare Organisation Malaysia (Sejagat).

-- BERNAMA