PRESS RELEASE
CALL FOR MALAYSIAN GOVERNMENT TO ACT REGARDING THE ISRAELI GAZA FLOTILLA RAID FROM MALAYSIAN STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL

1. Today is World Peace Day, according to Mahmud Ahmadinejad, the current President of Iran. This is because of the awareness of the massive suffering of the people in Gaza that has brought together about 700 activists from all around the world, ranging from non-governmental activists and journalists, to media workers and parliament members, both Muslim and non-Muslim. An overall of 10,000 tons humanitarian resources from donations has been collected such as medicine, medical equipments, generators, food, money and etc.

This mission is actually a collaborative effort between Malaysian NGOs to join an international campaign to break the years of Israel siege on Gaza. They are working with the Free Gaza Movement which is based in Cyprus, IHH in Turkey, MERC and Kispa Indonesia, and other NGOs from USA, Greece, France, Sweden, Germany, Italy, Venezuella and many other countries. This convoy has been led by an NGO from Turkey named Insani Yardim Vakfi (IHH).
For the Malaysian charter, the efforts are supported by, among others, the following NGOs:

• Coalition of Graduates of Higher Institutions of Malaysia (HALUAN)
• Malaysian Muslim Youth Movement (ABIM)
• Jemaah Islah Malaysia (JIM)
• HALUAN Palestin
• Palestinian Center of Excellence (PACE)
• Aqsa Syarif
• Dewan Pemuda Masjid Malaysia (Dewan Pemuda)
• Pertubuhan Mawaddah Malaysia
• Viva Palestina Malaysia (VPM)
• Global Peace Mission
• Muslim Care
• Yayasan Amal Malaysia

2. Sadly, we have been informed that this movement was attacked just this afternoon, 12.30pm Malaysia’s time, by Israeli Naval Forces. Till now, at least 16 people has died and many more injured according to Malaysiakini.com. This is clearly a massacre done by Israeli Marines to international activists, after confirmation by Turkey Government that the convoy was unarmed and was not trained to do so. After all, the attack was done when the ship was still in international sea. The main ship that was attacked is Mavi Marmara, a huge IHH ship laden with humanitarian aid supply from Turkey.

We were also informed that in that ship, there are 12 Malaysians from various non-government organization and media workers. From media release, Israel Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon said that the flotilla of ships "was an armada of hate and violence." Even though it was proven otherwise by the Turkey Government. Current news said that the ship will be towed to Ashdod Port which is located 50 miles south of Israel and the activists will be imprisoned.

3. Action was taken by Spain, Greece, Turkey and few other countries by summoning Israeli Ambassadors over the Gaza aid raid. Turkey in advance had closed the embassy and sent the Israeli ambassadors back to their country. Calls for demonstrations were widely spread through Facebook, Twitter and many other live-stream media that have increased the awareness of international communities. To every one of us this is an absolute violation of human rights. For us it is not about political issues, it is about humanity.

4. It is such as shame that in the name of humanity, our country simply overlooked the event that had happened, with the only effort done was to plan a demonstration in front of American Embassy this Friday and a small press conference by Malaysia’s non-government organizations. Until 9.00 pm tonight, all that were waiting was the reaction from our Malaysian Government over this issue. Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed has condemned Israel over their hideous actions towards the unarmed and non-combative activists. Another press release was by YB Dato’ Seri Anipah Aman, Minister of External Affairs of Malaysia, who wants United Nations (UN) to take urgent action. With that, we call upon the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak to hold a press conference over this overwhelming issue and plan an emergency meet for Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC). We need a resolution of what had happened; otherwise the world will not stay calm.

5. We, as students, believe that this is something that we can do. This is our voice regarding the current issue, and we believe that every student in all the higher institutions in Malaysia is in agreement with us. We will influence every student association and student leader because we have waited far too long for the Malaysian Government to act. Those who have contacts with our Government and the mass media, push them to play their role of at least showing our concern towards the Gaza Flotilla raid. For others, do not let this matter rest; keep reminding our Government that they have to do something to address this current issue.

6. We also call upon all Malaysian citizens to voice out their opinions and views through the available channels that they can use, and take example from international citizens who are voicing up over the media. We hope that all Malaysian citizens will be ready to join any demonstrations or programs planned regarding this issue.

7. In the name of humanity, the Israel has gone beyond the limit. This inhuman act should be condemned not because they are Jews and not because the aid is for Muslim, but it is in the name of precious life given by Almighty GOD. My humble request for all individuals, groups, politicians, non-government organizations, regardless of our religions, let us pray to God for the safety of the victims of this tragedy and we hope that the aid will safely reach those who need it in Gaza, Palestine. Stay updated with the links below:

• http://twitter.com/sahabatalaqsha/
• http://palestinkini.info/
• http://www.livestream.com/insaniyardim/
• http://www.vivapalestinamapim.blogspot.com/
• http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=23...
• http://twitter.com/freegazaorg
• http://www.freegaza.org/
• http://www.ihh.org.tr/seyirdefteri/en/

31st May 2010, 10.00 PM
Muhammad Nur’azmi Mohd Hisam,
Vice President 3,
Student Representative Council,
Universiti Sains Malaysia,
On behalf of the Malaysian Student Representative Council.