Akmal Vows To Confront Trump In Kl Over Sumud Flotilla Detentions

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Criticism over United States President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to Malaysia has intensified amid Israeli attacks against five Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) ships. 
In particular, Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh urged Putrajaya to consider rescinding its invitation to Trump to attend the upcoming Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur if the Malaysian activists on board the ships are not immediately released.
If the government insists on allowing Trump’s attendance, Akmal threatened to mobilise Umno Youth’s nationwide forces and stage a protest “in front of Trump” once the foreign leader is in Kuala Lumpur. 
“Let us face Trump head-on! Hurting them (GSF activists) is the same as hurting all of us Malaysians!” the Merlimau assemblyperson said in a Facebook post today. 
ADSMeanwhile, PAS Youth is organising a protest later this evening, with the gathering set to march to the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur around 4pm today.
According to a poster uploaded to PAS Youth’s Facebook page, supporters will first meet at The Linc KL before proceeding to the embassy.
At least 8 M’sians detained
Earlier, it was reported that 13 Malaysians on board five GSF ships had lost contact with the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) after being intercepted by Israeli forces in Gaza waters.
As of 6am Malaysian time, eight of them, including singer Zizi Kirana, whose real name is Nur Fazelah Mad Tahil, on board the vessel Huga, were confirmed to be detained by Israeli forces.
Others detained were Musa Nuwayri, Iylia Balqis, and Sul Aidil from the vessel Alma, while Haikal Abdullah, Muaz Zainal, Zulfadhli Khiduddin, and Rusydi Ramli were on Sirius.
The status of five others - PU Rahmat, Norhelmi, Asmawi, and Norazman, who were on Estrella, as well as actress Ardell Aryana on Mikeno - remains unknown.
SNCC director-general Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby said that apart from jamming communications with radar jammers, the GSF convoy was also attacked with water cannons by Israeli military vessels, which targeted smaller ships to stop them from entering Red Zone R2.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has since strongly condemned Israel’s interception of the GSF, adding that the action reflects Israel’s disregard not only for the rights of Palestinians but also for the global conscience.
On Tuesday, in defending the invitation extended to Trump to attend the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur this month, the Prime Minister’s Office said the “principles of diplomacy demand that we speak the truth face-to-face, not avoid it.” - Mkini

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