SEPANG: Twelve Malaysians, including two journalists, today received a heroes' welcome at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), days after the deadly attack on the aid boat MV Mavi Marmara by Israeli commandos.
The boat was part of a flotilla carrying some 700 activists and 10,000 tons of humanitarian aid that was heading for the blockaded Gaza Strip when it was stormed by the commandos on international waters.
The 12 “survivors” of Mavi Marmara were welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, family members, friends and supporters at about 6am.
"We welcome the 12 Malaysians home after going through the Zionist attack against their humanitarian mission that saw some nine people dead. But we are thankful that all of them (Malaysians) are safe," he said at a press conference.
Although their mission to send the humanitarian aid to Gaza was halted halfway, said Muhyiddin, they should be commended for their efforts to help the Palestinians under siege in Gaza.
"It is very cruel of Israel to do such a thing and we, through Foreign Minister Anifah Aman, have issued a strongly-worded statement [denouncing] the attack," said Muhyiddin.
He also urged the United Nations to take sterner action against Israel, whose cruel act on the high seas also drew heavy flak from the international community, including Israeli citizens themselves, who have labelled it as “inhumane”.
"We want the UN to take sterner action against Israel, instead of just releasing statements [condemning the attack]. We think that is not enough," he said. He also said Turkey and Jordan should be praised for seeking the release of the aid workers.
Six more to be back soon
Muhyiddin also said the other six Malaysians on board another aid ship, Rachel Corrie, will be brought back home "as soon as possible".
Israeli commandos boarded the ship peacefully yesterday after it ignored orders not to head for Gaza
"The six Malaysians will be reaching Amman, Jordan, at 6pm Malaysian time today and we will ensure that they will come back as soon as possible," he said.
The 12 who arrived this morning included Noorazman Mohd Samsuddin, chief of Malaysian delegation (UIA lecturer); Dr Mohd Arba Ai Shawal (medical doctor); Dr Syed Muhamad Haleem Syed Hassan (medical doctor); Dr Selamat Aliman; businessman Jamaluddin Elias (Klang councillor); Al Hilmi Husain Suhaimi (religious teacher); Mohd Nizam Mohamad Awang (engineer); Abd Halim Mohd Redzuan (executive with Syabas); Hasanuddin Aqsi Assarip (full-time NGO worker); Ashwad Ismail (Astro Awani journalist) and Shamsul Kamal Latip (Astro Awani cameraman).
'Malaysia cannot act alone'
To a question whether Malaysia will initiate talks with the United States to take action against Israel, its closest ally, Muhyiddin said the country cannot act alone.
He said such an initiative should be made in concert with the other UN members.
"At the UN Security Council, there is already a resolution [on this] but, as we all know, the US did not take a strong stand. Even Israel has ignored the resolution. So we need a more effective measure.
"I don't think pressure from Malaysia alone is enough; we need help from the other countries too," he said.
1 comment:
Like this also can be heroes ah?
Palestinians are also all heroes lah?
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