KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 — Malaysians of all races and ages have praised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the government for their success in securing the release of 23 Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian activists, who are now safely in Istanbul, Turkiye.
In Terengganu, the state Gerakan Belia 4B Malaysia chairman Muhammad Shohaimil Haffiz Salleh said the swift success in bringing home the activists was an extraordinary achievement that required strong diplomatic capabilities.
The success also demonstrated Anwar's credibility as a courageous, outspoken, and wise leader in handling issues and crises both at home and abroad.
“On behalf of the youth, I would like to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to the Madani government, especially to the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, for their swift action in bringing home the Malaysians.
“The success was not easily achieved and can be described as extraordinary, as it involved the Zionist regime,” he said, adding that the achievement will undoubtedly inspire many other volunteers to continue the struggle in defending the Palestinian people.
In Penang, Permatang Pauh Youth Committee member Nur Liyana Sa’idin, 23, described the success in bringing home the GSF humanitarian activists as proof of the government’s efficiency in managing crises through international diplomacy.
The government’s swift action ensured that all 23 Malaysian humanitarian activists returned safely, with the assistance of the Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra), security agencies, lawyers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and support teams who worked tirelessly to safeguard their well-being.
In Kedah, Food Bank Malaysia chairman Mohd Azrul Mohd Razak, 40, also expressed his gratitude to Anwar and the government for their successful and commendable diplomatic efforts.
“This proves the strength of Malaysia’s diplomatic relations with other countries, which made it possible to bring our citizens home safely. Thank you for the unwavering commitment shown by PMX and the government in expressing solidarity with the Palestinian struggle,” he said.
Meanwhile, e-hailing driver Mohamad Sayuti Wan Chik, 43, from Kepala Batas said the success reflected Malaysia’s diplomatic capabilities at the international level and appreciated the government’s efforts in ensuring that all participants returned safely.
In Negeri Sembilan, private sector employee Mohd Arif Arifin, 35, expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for his efforts in securing the release of all Malaysians who took part in the GSF humanitarian mission.
The Seremban local said that although the main mission to deliver food aid and medicines to the Palestinians could not be completed, the volunteers’ fighting spirit deserved commendation.
“They are national heroes who should be praised and appreciated. Not everyone is willing to leave their families behind to go to Gaza and undertake such a high-risk mission,” he said.
Civil servant S. Angeline, 42, said that without Anwar's diplomatic efforts and intervention, the mission to secure the release of all Malaysians would have been difficult to achieve.
“We were informed that the Prime Minister had contacted the Turkish government to help bring the Malaysians back from Israel. This effort proves that the Malaysian government is truly concerned about the safety of its people.
"Thank you, Prime Minister, for your tireless efforts,” said the mother of two.
In Pahang, human resources manager Nurul Farhana Abdul Hamid, 37, said that as a Malaysian following the developments of the GSF mission, she was grateful for the release of those detained by the Israeli army, who will soon return home.
The mother of one said appreciation should also be extended to the Malaysian government, especially Anwar, for his wisdom and strong diplomatic ties that enabled all 23 Malaysian activists to be freed and safely reunited with their families.
In Melaka, clothing trader Puteri Diana Adran, 32, expressed her pride in the Malaysian government's swift action in securing the release of the activists. She also expressed her gratitude to the Prime Minister and hoped that future humanitarian missions to Gaza would be successful.
In Selangor, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam accounting student Mohamad Haris Sholihin, 20, said he was proud of the Malaysian leadership, which has consistently been at the forefront in highlighting the oppression faced by the Palestinian people, as well as taking swift action to defend the country’s delegation involved in the GSF mission.
Cleaner Kamsiah Mat Ali, 58, also expressed her gratitude for the government’s prompt and effective action in assisting the GSF participants detained in Israel and prayed for the safe return of all Malaysian activists.
“Although the aid has yet to reach the people, at least the world is now becoming more aware of and united against the cruelty faced by the Palestinian people,” she said.
Meanwhile, in Kelantan, more Malaysians expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the Prime Minister for his successful diplomatic efforts in securing the release of the Malaysian volunteers.
Auto parts dealer Kang Sue Guan, 56, from Kedai Melor, said the success of the Madani government not only brought joy to the families of those involved but also strengthened the spirit of unity among Malaysians.
“Thank you to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. This effort proves that Malaysia always prioritises humanitarian values regardless of religion or race. We, as Malaysians, truly appreciate the Prime Minister’s courage and compassion,” he said.
In Pauh Lima, Bachok, private sector employee Nurul Hanis Mohd Hashim, 25, also expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the government for its success in negotiating the release of the activists.
“Our Prime Minister (PMX) has shown leadership that truly cares about the fate of Malaysians abroad. I hope all matters will be eased and that everyone returns home safely,” she said.
In Perak, DAP member and lawyer Ong Hui Xue, 29, said that the incident was a humanitarian issue, and expressed his pride in the Prime Minister’s successful diplomatic efforts to secure the release of the 23 GSF humanitarian mission activists.
“I believe that international diplomatic negotiations are highly complex, and require a mature and authoritative leader to achieve what all Malaysians desire — the safe return of the GSF activists,” he said.
Fellow DAP member Mohammad Norriduan Mohamed Idrus, 37, expressed his deepest appreciation to Anwar for his efforts and the government’s leadership in securing the release of Malaysians detained in Israel.
“Our success was achieved in a short time, thanks to the efforts of the Prime Minister. We have successfully secured the release of all Malaysians detained in Israel. This is among the best diplomatic efforts demonstrated by our Prime Minister for Malaysians in distress,” he said.
Meanwhile, another DAP member, Poon Sook Yee, 37, also conveyed her highest appreciation to Anwar and the Unity Government for their swift and effective diplomatic action.
Military veteran Azizan Hassan, 57, from Kampar, expressed his deep appreciation for the efforts of all 23 Malaysian activists from the GSF humanitarian mission, who continued their efforts to deliver aid despite the risks involved.
“They had noble intentions to help their Muslim brothers and sisters, going so far as to risk their lives to channel assistance,” he said.
Aso from Kampar, self-employed Mior Abdullah, 67, expressed his appreciation to the 23 GSF activists for their courage in facing tough challenges, especially during their detention by the Israeli authorities.
“All 23 of our volunteers who were detained have demonstrated our strong solidarity in defending the Palestinian struggle. If possible, we must continue such efforts, as they reflect our courage and earn the world’s respect for Malaysia as a nation that upholds justice and humanity,” he said.
In Perlis, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak Juang Perlis chairman Ahmad Fadhzil Mohamad said the safe return of the Malaysian volunteers reflected Anwar's courage as a national leader, as well as his skill in diplomatic negotiations with the Turkish and Qatari governments, achieved without provocation.
“Here, I wish to extend my deepest gratitude to our beloved Prime Minister for his tireless efforts in ensuring the safe return of all Malaysians involved. To me, this is an extraordinary display of courage,” he said.
Meanwhile, UiTM Perlis Sustainable Marine Technology senior lecturer Rosnani Nazri expressed her gratitude and admiration for the dedication of all the volunteers involved in the GSF humanitarian aid mission to Gaza.
“When many Malaysian activists and influencers joined the Global Sumud Flotilla, I felt proud to support their jihad for Gaza. Every day, I followed their live updates and developments.
“Although all their vessels were eventually intercepted, and hundreds of volunteers were detained, their mission has, in a way, succeeded in breaking the wall of silence. The world, which had been quiet for so long, is now speaking up again — international media are paying attention, and the name, Gaza, is once more trending across social media platforms,” she said.
Kampung Abi Batas Paip housewife Zarina Ahmad, 60, from Kangar, who was also moved by the courage of the Malaysian volunteers, said that such missions and efforts should continue to be carried out to help the Palestinian people, who have long suffered under the atrocities of the Zionist regime.
