NILAI, October 26, 2019 – October 26th 2019 was the Global Day of Action against Puma, the sportswear manufacturer, for its decision to be the main sponsor of the Israeli football association and six of its clubs which are located in illegal colonies in the occupied Palestinian territories.
‘Boycott Puma’ protests were conducted in 20 countries involving 50 locations the world over.
In Malaysia, friendly football matches were held on that day at two universities as part of the global efforts to instil and raise awareness of the Boycott Puma campaign.
At Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) in Bandar Baru Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, the match was between the Palestinian Students Association of Malaysia (PSA) and a USIM students team.
According to Assoc Prof Dr Awangku Abdul Rahman Hj Awangku Yussuf, Director of USIM’s “Solidarity with Palestine Week”, the Boycott Puma football match was the culmination of a week of solidarity with Palestine organised by the university, Boycott Divest Sanctions Malaysia (BDS Malaysia), the International Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (IESCO), MyCare and the Palestinian Students Association (PSA).
During the week, an exhibition on the theme of ‘Palestine Today and Saving Education in Palestine’ was held. Talks were also conducted on how the public can contribute towards the liberation of and the achievement justice in Palestine. Various NGOs also briefed the campus community on humanitarian works conducted in Palestine. Treasure hunts were also held to create awareness and love for the land of Palestine.
