Marina urges concern for all facing oppression, regardless of race, religion

Marina, seen here at a gathering promoting peace and moderation at Bangsar Village in March, wants Malaysians to stand up with her against oppression affecting people of all races and religions, around the world. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, August 3, 2014.Social activist Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir has spoken out against the show of support by many Malaysians only for the Palestinian people, while ignoring acts of oppression in other parts of the world, Bernama reported today.

Explaining that Malaysians must be concerned about violence and oppression in the world regardless of religion, race or country, Marina said although what was happening in Gaza now was most saddening, the oppression occurring in other countries should also not be forgotten because humans were the creation of God and all were equally important.

She urged Malaysians to be concerned about the oppression taking place in Palestine, Syria, Sri Lanka and elsewhere based on fundamental rights and humanity and not based on religion or race.

"I have always supported those who are oppressed, regardless of race and based on human rights. Most world communities, regardless whether they are Muslims, Christians or Jews are supporting Palestine.

"But in Malaysia, we like to say this is only for the Muslims, or that for the non-Muslims... This is actually wrong and should not happen," Marina was quoted as saying by Bernama, at the launch of the "7 billion acts of goodness" campaign in Kuala Lumpur today.

Speaking about the anti-Israel actions by some Malaysians, she gave the example of the burning of an Israeli flag at a wedding in Melaka yesterday as an "incident that should not have transpired".

"Weddings are a good occasion, so it should not be associated with violence and so on. We should separate such things.

"They should instead have been praying for the safety of everyone facing such oppression as in Palestine," she said, according to Bernama.

Marina also hoped that Malaysians who wished to comment on any particular issue on social media, such as Facebook or Twitter, would make an effort to understand the issue thoroughly before giving their comments and views, so as to avoid offending others.

- TMI