Ahmad Zahid apologizes for gaffe during Palestine Liberation Rally speech

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has apologized for his mistake while delivering a speech at the Palestine Liberation Rally held at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, last night.

“I attended (last night) with thousands of Malaysians to show our support and solidarity for the liberation of Palestine.

“In the excitement and passion of the moment, I apologize for my slip of the tongue.

“However, this sincere heart remains ablaze to shout Free Palestine! Long live Palestine! Independence for Palestine,” said the UMNO President in a Facebook post, as reported by Bernama.

Based on several viral video clips on social media, Ahmad Zahid was seen mistakenly shouting ‘long live Israel’ during his speech.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid stated that the rally was not only a sign of love for peace and a strong rejection of oppression and human tyranny but also a tribute to the Hamas leader, the late martyr Al Mujahid Ismail Haniyeh, who was brutally killed.

“However, even if one Ismail Haniyeh falls, thousands of mujahideen will be born,” he said.

The Palestine Liberation Rally yesterday was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim along with Cabinet members, foreign representatives, and over 15,000 Malaysians and foreign nationals to express support and solidarity for the struggle and liberation of Palestine from the brutality of the Israeli regime.

The rally also emphasized that Malaysia strongly condemns the killing of Ismail Haniyeh on July 31.