VPM apologises, denies labelling rally participants as 'Zionists'
SHAH ALAM - The organisers of the peaceful 'Freedom for Palestine' rally have denied allegations that there were participants labelled as 'Zionists' for carrying placards displaying the face of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with the word 'syaitan' (devil) written on them.
Viva Palestina Malaysia (VPM) chairman Datuk Dr Musa Mohd Nordin said they were merely upholding the stance of the non-governmental organisation (NGO), which views placards or images featuring Netanyahu's face as provocative action.
He also added that the rules they followed were in line with the directives of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to ensure that the gathering remained within the boundaries of humanity.
"The placard does not reflect the etiquette of VPM, where we maintain standards, even when emotional.
"I'm not saying he's a Zionist. I'm saying we shouldn't go to the extent of being Zionists.
“PDRM has given clear instructions to take action against hate speech, posters, and provocateur agents intent on disrupting our humanitarian gathering," he said in a statement today.
Previously, on social media, there was an outpouring of disappointment regarding the organisation of the gathering, which took place at Dataran Merdeka yesterday, as some participants were alleged to have been equated with the Zionist regime.
During the gathering, some participants carried placards featuring Netanyahu's face with the slogan 'Netanyahu Penjenayah Perang' (Netanyahu, War Criminal).
Musa added that some individuals failed to grasp the bigger picture of the Israeli colonisation of Palestine, thereby fueling their anger.
In this regard, he also denied any ban on participants who chanted the 'Takbir' (Allahu Akbar).
This is because Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (MAPIM) president Badlishah Sham Baharin and Nurul Izzah Anwar also chanted 'takbir' during their speeches.
"For all parties in VPM, we apologise for any shortcomings on our part.
"As an NGO and as Malaysians, we must always stand united in supporting and advancing the struggle of our Palestinian brothers until the establishment of an independent Palestinian state," he said.
