A Malaysian Hindu's struggle for the Palestinians
M Mythreyar is a devout Hindu but cannot ignore his feelings about the conflict in Gaza.
Photographs by MalaysiaNow
M Mythreyar entered the spotlight in July, when he went on a 200-hour hunger strike to protest Putrajaya's sale of Malaysia Airports Holdings shares to a firm owned by BlackRock.
The activist sees the Palestine issue as one of humanity, not religion.
Mythreyar and representatives from NGOs at a protest against the DSA and Natsec defence exhibition at Mitec in May, over the participation of companies linked to the war in Gaza.
Red-stained bundles meant to represent babies lie on the ground during the demonstration.
A man examines one of the guns on display at the exhibition which involved companies such as Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems.
A Leupold spokesman explains the technology behind its firearms.
Mythreyar and NGO representatives head towards the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur to hand over a memorandum against the violence towards Palestinians in April.
Mythreyar with activists during the Gaza solidarity rally in August.
An activist holds a sign calling for an end to the involvement of BlackRock in Malaysia Airports Holdings shares.
Mythreyar speaks through a loudhailer outside a McDonald's outlet in Kuala Lumpur. With him is Tian Chua, spokesman of the Palestine Solidarity Secretariat.
Mythreyar holds up a sign during his hunger strike near the Parliament building in July.
Mythreyar explains his efforts to a tourist from Sri Lanka who stops to inquire about his hunger strike.
Mythreyar lies on the ground on the sixth day of his hunger strike.
Mythreyar attends another gathering in October alongside thousands of other protesters.
Thousands march towards the US embassy waving Palestinian flags and holding placards expressing solidarity with the community.
Mythreyar with his mother, Muniammah Sinnapiyan, who worries about his safety each time he leaves the house.
Every week, he brings his mother to the temple to pray, fulfilling his duties as a Hindu despite his strong interest in the Palestinian cause.
This year will mark the second time he has forgone Deepavali celebrations due to his sympathy with the suffering of the Palestinians.
Although he himself will not celebrate the occasion, he still helps his mother prepare for the festival of lights.
Subscribe to our newsletter
To be updated with all the latest news and analyses daily.
