Kuala lumpur: Over 100,000 participants from across the country are expected to gather at Dataran Merdeka this Sunday for the 'Malam Himpunan dan Selawat - Malaysiaku Bersama Gaza', the highlight of the Sumud Nusantara Carnival 2025.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the event is jointly organised by the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (MAPIM) and Cinta Gaza Malaysia (CGM), under the patronage of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with support from Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
MAPIM chief executive officer Datuk Dr Sani Araby, who also serves as the carnival director, emphasized the significance of the gathering as it coincides with the National Month celebration. He expressed the intention for Dataran Merdeka to become a sea of white, symbolizing Malaysian solidarity with those in Gaza. The event is seen as an opportunity for Malaysians to reflect on the struggles faced by people in Gaza and Palestine while celebrating their own independence.
CGM chief executive officer and Sumud Nusantara project director Nadir Al-Nuri highlighted that the gathering would strengthen Malaysia's voice of solidarity on the global stage. The event will also be translated into action through the Global Sumud Flotilla, where activists from 39 countries will join a peaceful mission towards Gaza.
The public is invited to attend the gathering with their families, wearing white in solidarity. The event will include Maghrib prayers, solat hajat led by Sheikh Abdul Karim Al-Makki, and a religious lecture. The programme will conclude with a special address by the Prime Minister, the Sumud Nusantara Declaration for Gaza, the symbolic flag-off of the Sumud Nusantara Flotilla delegation, and the recitation of Qunut Nazilah.
The three-day carnival from August 22 to 24 will feature various attractions, including the VR Gaza Time Tunnel by MAPIM, a hot air balloon show, Havoc Food Festival, exhibitions, the launch of the 'Gaza 101' Malaysia Projects Compendium, Kids World Hall, and film screenings on Gaza's struggle.
Over 1,000 vehicles from across the country and eight foreign nations are expected to join a solidarity convoy, displaying Palestinian flags at Dataran Merdeka. Public facilities, including prayer spaces, will be available, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own mats, prayer rugs, and umbrellas, and to use public transport for convenience.