Mythreyar vows to continue fight against MAHB takeover
Despite ending his hunger strike today, pro-Palestine activist M Mythreyar has vowed to continue campaigning against the sale of Malaysia Airlines Holdings Bhd (MAHB) shares to a Blackrock-linked company.
Mythreyar, 45, made this statement after concluding his hunger strike that began on July 10.
Despite ending his hunger strike today, pro-Palestine activist M Mythreyar has vowed to continue campaigning against the sale of Malaysia Airlines Holdings Bhd (MAHB) shares to a Blackrock-linked company.
Mythreyar, 45, made this statement after concluding his hunger strike that began on July 10.
“Initially, I believed this (hunger strike) was the only way to urge the government to reject Blackrock. But after meeting many people who came to support, I believe there are other ways to continue the campaign.
“There are about 10 or 20 other ways to continue this campaign and I will pursue them until the government decides to reject Blackrock,” he told Malaysiakini at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, today.
Activist Siti Aisah Ibrahim, who joined the hunger strike 48 hours ago, also ended her strike today.
Siti Aisah, 31, said their hunger strike was a sacrifice to raise public awareness and was just the beginning.
“I did this not for myself but for humanity. My message is to reject Blackrock and free Palestine,” she said.
Both drank coconut water to mark the end of their hunger strike at 4.30pm today.
Among those present to show support were Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, Tian Chua from the Palestinian Solidarity Secretariat (SSP), Pejuang information chief Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, Putra president Ibrahim Ali, activist Hishamuddin Rais, and representatives from Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Malaysia, Gegar Amerika, and Friend of Palestine.
READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | MAHB deal: What is GIP and is it linked to Israel?
Commenting further, Mythreyar expressed hope that the government would cancel the sale of MAHB to a consortium that includes Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), which is being bought over by Blackrock.
“So far, there has been no response or action from the government. However, I still have great faith that they will prioritise humanity over the nation’s economy.
“I hope they can at least review the MAHB agreement with Blackrock,” he added.
‘A significant achievement’
In a subsequent press conference, Tian Chua, whose real name is Chua Tian Chang, said SSP has urged Mythreyar to end his hunger strike due to health concerns.
“This afternoon is a moment my SSP activist colleagues and I feel proud of. Mythreyar has been with us in this struggle since last year. When he suggested the hunger strike, we were concerned about his health. A hunger strike is not to be taken lightly; it is a commitment.
“He initially stated he would continue the hunger strike until the government revoked the MAHB sale. But many of us, including doctors who regularly monitored his health, found that his physical health had deteriorated, and we urged him to stop the hunger strike.
“We believe this 200-hour hunger strike is an extraordinary act. For us, this is a significant achievement,” he said, expressing his disappointment that the government did not respond to the strike.
Rafique hoped the government would reverse its decision regarding the MAHB stake sale.
“This government is known for its U-turns. They’ve reversed decisions on the Sedition Act and the decision to lower fuel prices.
“So, we ask the government to make another U-turn by cancelling the MAHB sale to Blackrock,” he said.
Hishamuddin suggested turning the location of Mythreyar and Siti Aisah’s hunger strike at Dataran Merdeka into a speakers’ corner.
A hunger strike is a form of political protest used worldwide, some of which end in death.
Some protesters only refuse solid food while others engage in a “dry hunger strike”, avoiding both food and liquids.
During the hunger strike, on Monday, the Finance Ministry said the MAHB takeover offer is expected to be finalised in the third quarter of this year.
The ministry said the takeover requires the approval of at least 90 percent of MAHB’s existing shareholders.
