Protesting Zionist ideology, not religion - Social activist

KUALA LUMPUR - Social activist Mythreyar Mutturamalinggam finds himself in the midst of controversy and criticism, not from opposing factions, but from his own community.

The Malaysian Tamilan, who has been on a hunger strike for six days, faces backlash from some Indians, who accuse him of staging a religion-based protest.

"In fact, I am not a Muslim, and yet, they are criticising me.

"As a Malaysian Tamilan, many Indians are diverting and manipulating the narrative, claiming this protest is about religion. But this is about standing against the introduction of Zionist ideology in Malaysia," Mythreyar told Sinar Daily when met today.

Despite sleeping in uncomfortable conditions and enduring physical hardships, Mythreyar remains undeterred.

"I am sacrificing for the betterment of Malaysia, but many people are criticising me.

"I tend to avoid the negative vibes because many show support, and that keeps me going," he added.

Mythreyar began his hunger strike on July 9 at 9am in front of the Parliament building.

However, due to the unsuitable surroundings, he moved to Dataran Merdeka.

"I was doing well initially, but on the second day, I started feeling unwell.

"The doctor said my body was low on sugar, so I had to start drinking water and even had to receive drips. Since then, I've only been drinking water," he said.

His cause has garnered significant attention, especially through social media platforms like TikTok.

"Many who saw my videos came to support me, especially the Malay community, but also Indians and Chinese.

"On the first day, nobody came, but by the second day, the news had spread. Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS), former PKR leader Tian Chua, and many others came and stood with me," he recounted.

Mythreyar further said that the support has been overwhelming, with people travelling from various states to offer moral support.

"I salute the Malays; many came from Terengganu and even Penang to see me and give their support. This means the path I am taking is the right one since we don't want Zionist ideology to infiltrate Malaysia," he added.

As his protest enters its sixth day, Mythreyar remains resolute.

"I will try my best, push my body to maintain this protest. I hope the members of parliament and the people are aware of my cause by now," he said.

Last week, Deputy Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) had expressed readiness to become a minority shareholder in Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and is prepared to relinquish its stake within a short period.

He also noted that GIP was chosen based on strict criteria, including the willingness to appoint Malaysian citizens as the chairperson and managing director of MAHB.

GIP is in the process of being acquired by a controversial US fund manager BlackRock as its fully-owned subsidiary.

The acquisition is expected to be completed in the third quarter of this year.

GIP has said its existing leadership team will retain full control of the company and companies it has invested in after the acquisition by Blackrock is complete.

Blackrock is the world’s largest asset management company and has come under criticism for investing in companies that supply weapons to Israel.