SHAH ALAM – As Malaysian activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) faced interception by the Israeli military, local conversations back home took a different turn when renowned designer Datuk Rizalman Ibrahim raised the issue of 'mahram' for women activists, triggering heated reactions online.
When news broke that Malaysian activists, including celebrities such as Zizi Kirana and PU Rahmat, were detained by the Israeli military en route to Gaza, Rizalman shared an Instagram Stories post that reignited an age-old discussion; the importance of 'mahram' for women.
Uploading a screenshot of a follower’s message about the activists, he responded with a pointed question.
“What did I say about mahram? Any woman, if accompanied by her ‘mahram’, would not dare do anything improper, because her mahram (father/brother/husband) will advise her before something undesirable happens,” he wrote.
The comments did not sit well with many Malaysians, who slammed Rizalman for bringing up the issue during such a critical moment.
One netizen said that everyone already understands the concept of ‘mahram’, but people are upset because at a time of worry and crisis, Rizalman is focusing on such issues instead of waiting until things settle down.
They pointed out that even religious scholars are praying for the activists’ safety, yet Rizalman made it seem as though everything happened because of the mahram matter.
Another person stated that Rizalman has always been like that, constantly ranting, and added that some people think too highly of themselves, which was the reason they unfollowed him.
Others were far more direct in their criticism, saying Rizalman's opinion was unnecessary and that it was better to ignore those who only criticise without taking action.
They also highlighted that in this case, it is the women who are showing the spirit of jihad, while men like him do not, calling it a shameful attitude.
Aaron Aziz weighs in on activism
At the same time, actor Datuk Aaron Aziz drew attention when he urged that celebrities should not be pressured to comment on Gaza just to satisfy netizens.
The uproar around Rizalman mirrored an earlier episode, when clips of Aaron’s remarks regarding Gaza were taken out of context and quickly went viral.
Some netizens accused him of being dismissive, though the actor clarified his stance in an interview.
“We cannot force people to speak up just because they are asked to. Not speaking out does not necessarily mean they do not support.
"There are some people I know who, even though they remain quiet, still donate privately. That is better than just reposting but taking no real action.
"Prayers, effort, or reaching out to legitimate non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to extend help is far more important,” Aaron said.
The KL Gangster star also critiqued the culture of selective activism.
“There are many other issues in Malaysia that people can speak up about, such as abuse cases, bullying, or mental health.
"Why not speak about those? If you want to defend, defend everyone. Do not only use Gaza as a platform to elevate your name, gain attention, praise and suddenly become an activist. That is hypocritical,” he stressed.
On a separate note, he also condemned those exploiting sensitive issues like the late Zara Qairina’s death case for personal gain.
“To me, that is hypocritical. Only when something goes viral, then they get busy. They just want to boost their name, gain attention, new followers, and praise from others,” he said.
Flotilla status and international response
The GSF, consisting of 44 vessels and more than 450 humanitarian activists from 47 countries, was intercepted by Israeli naval forces in an operation that lasted over 36 hours.
Reports confirmed that all vessels had been seized and about 500 activists were detained.
Among them were 23 Malaysians, who were being held at Ashdod Port. Malaysian activist Muhammad Nadir Al-Nuri confirmed their status and said that legal communication had already been established.
Malaysia’s Embassy in Amman coordinated with Asean partners in Amman and Tel Aviv to provide consular assistance to the detainees.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) strongly condemned Israel’s actions and announced that another convoy of 11 ships, titled A Thousand Madeleines to Gaza, continued its journey from Europe.
The vessels, sailing under Italian and French flags, were last reported near Crete.
Several governments, including Turkiye, Spain, South Africa and Canada, as well as Amnesty International, condemned the interception and called for the immediate release of all detained activists.
The GSF mission was part of ongoing efforts to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza, which humanitarian groups argued amounted to collective punishment and violated international law.