GUA MUSANG — The Orang Asli of Gua Musang district have rallied in solidarity with the Palestinians, voicing their opposition to the ongoing violence resulting from the Israel-Palestine conflict.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the local community is aware of the current events and ardently hopes for the establishment of a ceasefire. He stated that the 16,000 Orang Asli, belonging to various religions and tribes including the Temiar, Bateq, and Mendriq, share the view that the assaults on civilians, specifically women and children, need to end immediately.

Bidi represented the Orang Asli community at a solidarity program titled “Palestine Solidarity Rally from Galas to Gaza,” which took place at Dataran Kesedar Putra. He highlighted that despite their diverse religious beliefs, the Orang Asli are united in their humanity and empathy for the victims of the conflict, which they learn about through social media.

Ibrahim Marijah, the village chief of Kampung Merlong in Kuala Betis, mentioned the logistical challenges faced by the Orang Asli that prevented many from attending the rally. Nevertheless, a group of 20 represented the wider community, conveying their shared sentiment against the violence witnessed on social media.

Gala’s assemblyman Mohd Syahbuddin Hashim reported that the event, organized by the Galas Assemblyman Service Centre, garnered support from over a thousand participants from within and outside the district. In addition, a fundraising campaign was initiated with the goal of contributing towards the nation’s objective of collecting at least RM100 million in aid for Gaza.

Mohd Syahbuddin highlighted the cross-community support for the Palestinian cause, including from the Orang Asli, Chinese, and Indian communities, framing the issue as a matter of human rights rather than religion or ethnicity. He praised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his bold stance on the issue, amidst a global landscape where few Islamic nations have taken a clear position.