KUALA LUMPUR – Since the Israel-Gaza war started last October, Malaysian politicians and some newscasters have regularly donned chequered black-and-white scarves – a symbol of the Palestinian struggle for a homeland – during public appearances.

Thousands of Malaysians have also taken part in several peaceful marches in the country in support of Palestine, and calls are often made in local mosques and online for donations to ease the suffering of people trapped in Gaza.