Malaysians offer flowers in rally in front of PHL Embassy

Amid the ongoing violent conflict between Malaysian forces and followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III in Sabah, a peaceful rally highlighted by a flower offering was held in front of the Philippine Embassy in Malaysia. In a statement, the Philippine Embassy in Malaysia said an event called Ops Bunga (Operation Flower) was conducted Friday afternoon where some Malaysians brought flowers in front of the embassy gate as peace gestures. Photos posted on Twitter show Ops Bunga participants leaving flowers near the embassy's chancery, apparently heeding the organizer's request not to make any political statement. "Thank you to the dozens who placed flowers in front of the Embassy of the Republic of Philippines! For those coming later - do!" tweeted organizer Joseph Lee at 4:40 p.m., two hours after the activity started. Many photos posted on Twitter showed the flowers were placed on a table in front of the embassy chancery, which was closed at the time. Some left roses that they "dedicated to ALL of our fallen heroes." Most of the flowers were placed as "a gesture of peace." Earlier, Lee stressed the activity was "NOT a gathering" and has "NO political affiliations." "We just want to send a message to the Philippines — that we are a peaceful nation and we do not want conflict, and that we hope, they will do their utmost best to do the best for the people and the relations of both our countries," he said on his blog. "[It is also meant to] convince all Filipinos and Malaysians of Sulu descent, that our country is safe and we value peace and we do not look upon them any differently just because of the actions of a small group of intruders," he added. Lee also said the activity seeks to assure Filipinos and Suluk people in Malaysia that the country is safe, and that they are not “looked upon differently just because of the actions of a small group of intruders.” The activity also aims to have Malaysians show love for country, and "a sign of thanks from Malaysians to the Filipino government, that has criticized the actions of the intruders into our country." According to the embassy statement, around 20 members of non-governmental organizations such as Ikatan Rakyat Muslim Malaysia, Ikatan Rakyat Insan Muslim Malaysia and Malaysian Muslim Economy and Social Chamber had earlier rallied in front of the embassy. The statement said the people also handed over a letter of protest during the rally. On Thursday, meanwhile,a group of around 40 people from the United Malays National Organization (UMNO)-Youth conducted a brief rally in front of the embassy, the statement said, where they also handed over a letter of protest. However, the gathering was not a protest against the Philippine government but against Kiram, whose extradition to Malaysia was sought by the group, according to the embassy. In the Philippines, protests have also been held in front of the Malaysian Embassy, with participants decrying Malaysia’s “all-out” stance against Kiram’s followers over the Sabah conflict, which has left dozens dead. Amid all the rallies conducted in front of the Philippine Embassy, however, the statement said the place remains open. “We have a job to do, particularly to extend humanitarian assistance to those who have been displaced or otherwise adversely affected by the incident, and to ensure humane treatment to those who have been wounded and captured,” Ambassador Eduardo Malaya said. The Philippine Embassy said people from their ranks as well as other personnel from the Department of Foreign Affairs and other agencies are in Lahad Datu and Semporna/Tawau on humanitarian and consular missions for affected Filipinos there. Additional security measures for the embassy's personnel and their families, its property, clients, and visitors have also been put into place, according to the statement. — Gian Geronimo/KBK, GMA News