SINTOK, Oct 4 — The recent clash between several Palestinians and security personnel at Wisma Transit Kuala Lumpur cannot be used as an excuse to send them home.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said it does not make sense for the government to do so as their country is embroiled in war, and urged Malaysians not to jump to conclusions based on the incident or blame Palestinians in general.
“What’s important is that we seek solutions on how we can use existing laws with their presence here.
“The Home Ministry is ready to cooperate as the related acts (for them to be in the country) is under our jurisdiction. It depends on the type of suitable pass for them to be here,” he told reporters after attending a town hall at Universiti Utara Malaysia here today.
He said the government’s decision to bring wounded Palestinians, especially children, to Malaysia is a humanitarian commitment, noting that the recent clash happened as some of them were dissatisfied with being at the protection centre and having their movements controlled.
“Their presence here initially is for treatment, so the pass issued was suitable for that reason. At the ministry level, we have discussed a way forward and we will take the proposal for the ministry to issue a suitable pass,” he added.
— Bernama
