KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 9): Parliament on Thursday launched the collection of donations for the Palestinian Humanitarian Fund to help alleviate the burden and suffering of Palestinians affected by the war in their Gaza homeland.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul announced that the contributions would be directly channelled to the Humanitarian Trust Fund for the People of Palestine that is managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"Parliament feels compelled to stand in solidarity, aiming to lessen the plight of the Palestinian people, who are increasingly oppressed by the conflict. This initiative serves as our moral support to them.

“Therefore, Parliament will implement collection [of donations] for the Palestinian Humanitarian Fund at the Malaysian Parliament level starting today, Thursday, Nov 9," he said before starting the debate on Budget 2024 at the committee level for the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development in the lower house.

Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (Perikatan Nasional-Arau) then stood up, and suggested that each Member of Parliament contribute a minimum of RM1,000 to the fund.

The 222-seat Dewan Rakyat currently has 221 MPs. A by-election for the Kemaman seat will be held next month.

On Wednesday, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir expressed deep concern over the relentless attacks by the Israeli regime on civilians in Gaza. He urged all nations to unite in bringing an end to the conflict.

For more Parliament stories, click here.