KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 3 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has urged the public to ensure that any rally condemning Israel’s detention of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission is conducted in an orderly and law-abiding manner.

His reminder came in the wake of a rally held in front of the United States Embassy yesterday.

Saifuddin Nasution said the right to peaceful assembly must be exercised responsibly and in accordance with the law, without endangering public safety or obstructing civil servants from carrying out their duties.

He stressed that no party should use the pretext of holding a rally to cause disorder or pose a threat to national security.

“The peaceful assembly organised by some Malaysians is a right guaranteed by the Federal Constitution, and it reflects our solidarity with the humanitarian cause in Palestine.

“However, I strongly condemn the irresponsible actions of certain individuals who attempted to obstruct members of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) from performing their duties during the assembly in front of the United States Embassy yesterday,” he said in a Facebook post today.

He said PDRM personnel are deployed on the ground to safeguard public safety and order, but regretted that certain parties had acted beyond limits to the extent of injuring police personnel.

Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that PDRM will continue to discharge their duties in accordance with the law to ensure the safety of the people and the maintenance of public order.

At the same time, Saifuddin Nasution said his ministry, echoing the voice of Malaysians, is urging the immediate and unconditional release of all activists and volunteers involved in the humanitarian mission, particularly Malaysians.

“They are unarmed civilians on a humanitarian mission, solely to deliver much-needed aid to the people of Gaza,” he said.

He stressed that the safety of Malaysians is always a priority and assured that the government will continue to use all diplomatic channels and international law to hold Israel accountable for its unjust actions.

“Malaysia will remain steadfast in standing with the Palestinian people until justice and freedom are achieved,” he said. — Bernama