“He started the joke” – Malaysian Activist at Gaza Solidarity Rally Apologises for Calling PMX an ‘Ex-Convict’

23 Malaysian activists were released and made it home after their mission aid ships were illegally intercepted by the Israeli forces last week.

From being forced to strip naked to being physically assaulted and told to kiss the Israeli flag, many of them took the opportunity to share their unpleasant experiences. One of the activists, PU Rahmat, made a joke last night (9 October) during the Gaza solidarity rally in Bukit Jalil, which many were not fond of.

“PMX and I have a lot of similarities. We’re both ex-convicts,” PU Rahmat joked before the audience burst into laughter.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was also present during the rally and heard the joke

The clip of PU Rahmat’s remark circulated on social media, and many Malaysians were not happy with Rahmat’s on-stage joke, especially after the Prime Minister’s efforts in ensuring the safety and the homecoming of all Malaysian delegates.

PU Rahmat is well aware of the criticisms online and has since issued a public apology on his social media.

“PMX started the joke”

In another apology video this morning (9 October), PU Rahmat shared a short clip of him apologising to Anwar soon after the remark was made, to which the Prime Minister tapped his shoulder and said, “It’s okay.”

“The Prime Minister understood, and he actually started the joke. He joked with us and said, ‘we’re all ex-convicts’ when he first saw us,” PU Rahmat claimed.

“Sometimes, we have to learn from the humorous PMX.”

However, PU Rahmat acknowledged that it was his mistake, and once again, he apologised to all Malaysians. In the meantime, he also had a friendly reminder to those who politicise the matter.

“I’ll see you in the afterlife, bro.”

In another update, 9 more Malaysians on mission aid ships were illegally intercepted and detained while en route to the Gaza coastline yesterday (8 October).

This morning, those on board the mission aid ships have been confirmed safe, but some have suffered injuries due to the encounters with the Israeli forces.

Also read: “Silence isn’t neutrality” – M’sian Influencer Responds to Backlash Over Not Speaking Out About Gaza