Johor Dap Leader Wants Students To Be More Proactive Over Palestine

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Johor DAP deputy chairperson Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali has called on university students to take a more active role in supporting the Palestinian cause.
In a statement today, he expressed concern that Malaysian students are not being sufficiently proactive in advocating for Palestine and defending its right to sovereignty.
Sheikh endorsed recent remarks made by Amanah president Mohamad Sabu at a pro-Palestine rally last night, where the latter asserted that Palestine would eventually achieve independence and be rebuilt by the efforts of young people and students worldwide.
“I urge our students to be more progressive and proactive.
“The Palestinian issue is also our issue. It concerns the struggle of a people fighting for liberation in their homeland," said Sheikh Umar in a statement today.
Students in US more active
The former Johor executive council member highlighted a contrast between Malaysian students, who are often only invited to speak at government-organised Palestine assemblies, and students abroad, who are taking independent action.
He pointed out that just two months ago, students at Colombia University in the United States caused the cancellation of their convocation ceremony due to protests, with over 2,000 students detained at that time.
Sheikh, a former chairperson of student activist group Solidarity Mahasiswa Malaysia, also noted that prestigious universities such as Oxford and Cambridge have seen their students vocalise support for the Palestinian cause and condemn Israeli actions.
“Some institutions have even reached agreements to cut ties with Israeli-related companies, establish centres for Palestinian liberation, and uphold students’ rights to peaceful assembly,” he said.
He expressed disappointment at the current apathy among Malaysian students and recalled that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his student days, led protests against Israeli violence during the Arab-Israeli conflict of the 1970s.
Sheikh lamented that Anwar remains the figurehead of protests today, calling on students to be more engaged.
“To the students of our homeland, step up and make a difference,” Sheikh urged.
“You are the key to the ongoing struggle for the liberation of Palestine, both now and in the future.” - Mkini

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