Kuala lumpur: Human Resource Minister Steven Sim seized the global platform of the World Social Security Forum (WSSF) 2025, which drew delegates from over 130 countries, to voice solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF). Speaking at the WSSF Gala Dinner last night, Sim urged the international community to unite against injustice and act to end ongoing atrocities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sumud Nusantara Command Centre director-general Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby confirmed that 23 Malaysian volunteers on the flotilla were detained by Israeli forces. They included singer Heliza Helmi and her sister, Nur Hazwani Afiqah, who were aboard the Hio vessel; Nurfarahin Romli and Danish Nazran Murad on Grande Blu; singer Zizi Kirana on Huga; Musa Nuwayri, Iylia Balqis, and Sul Aidil on Alma; and others on various vessels including Sirius, Inana, Mikeno, Estrella, Fair Lady, and Free Willy.

The flotilla, comprising more than 500 activists from 44 countries, had set sail for Gaza to break Israel’s blockade and deliver humanitarian aid. Sim expressed appreciation to the International Social Security Association (ISSA) for designating Kuala Lumpur as the global capital for social security over the past week, during which the WSSF brought together over 1,000 participants to chart the future of social protection systems worldwide.

Sim highlighted that the delegates’ mission to protect people and uphold dignity everywhere is of utmost importance, and decisions made at the forum are expected to impact the lives of billions. He emphasized that safeguarding dignity is achieved not through force but with social policies rooted in the belief that every person deserves a dignified life, regardless of their circumstances.