BACHOK 29 October 2023 I Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) today launched the Palestine Fund, aiming to collect contributions totalling RM20,000 as a sign of humanitarian solidarity among its staff and students towards the Palestinians’ struggle to liberate the Gaza Strip.

UMK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Razli Che Razak, stated that initially, they have successfully gathered donations amounting to RM10,000 in just one week, with a significant portion being channelled through e-sedekah@umk platform under the UMK Islamic Centre.

He said that contributions to the Palestine Fund will be extended during the UMK 13th Convocation Ceremony from 4 to 7 November.

"We expect the presence of around 10,000 parents and graduates, and their participation can contribute to the fund to increase the existing donations before we hand it over to the Ministry of Higher Education to be distributed to non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

"Today's programme is designed to show support for Palestine and condemn Israel through the organization of UMK's solidarity programme for Palestine.

“In a way, this programme indirectly serves to educate UMK residents and students with human values that encompass human rights and the virtue of kindness," he said during the UMK Solidarity Programme for Palestine organized by the UMK Islamic Centre in Teniat UMK Bachok, with the presence of over 500 participants, including students and UMK staff.

Also present were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Prof. Dr. Mohammad Ismail, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Prof. Dato’ Dr. Nik Maheran Nik Muhammad, and the Director of the UMK Islamic Centre, Associate Prof. Dr. Mohd Zain Mubarak.

The programme began with congregational Asar prayer and a procession from the UMK Islamic Centre mosque to Teniat.

Solidarity speeches were delivered by student representatives, staff representatives, NGO representatives (Cakna Palestin Malaysia), a poetry reading by a representative from the Kelantan Writers Association, Mr. Abdul Hadi Yusoff, and the launch ceremony of the Palestine Fund by Prof. Dato’ Dr. Razli, and it was concluded with the recitation of Qunut Nazilah prayer.