Foreign Ministry Monitoring Detention Of M'sian Volunteers On Sumud Flotilla – Deputy FM

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 2 (Bernama) – Malaysia's Foreign Ministry is closely monitoring the developments surrounding Malaysian volunteers detained by Israeli authorities following their participation in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission to Gaza.

Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin said the ministry, also known as Wisma Putra, is currently gathering information and working closely with the Prime Minister's Office to ensure proper help can be rendered to the affected Malaysians.

“Wisma Putra will continually monitor this development and obtain as much information as possible. 

“We are also working with the Prime Minister's Office to assist Malaysians who are involved in the mission,” he told reporters after 'Forum on ASEAN: Shaping a More Inclusive and Sustainable Future' here, on Thursday.

He also gave assurance that the government would do its utmost to assist the families of the Malaysians involved in the mission.

“We are always monitoring the development from time to time. For now, we can only pray for the safety of our citizens,” he said.

Elaborating, Mohamad stressed that Malaysia is committed to opposing Israel's brutality and defending the rights of the Palestinians at the global stage.

“Malaysia will not cease in making our stand known. We shall remain steadfast and committed. This is not a threat, but a warning that Malaysia will continue to stand with Palestine,” he said.

Mohamad said the government would always assist non-governmental organisations (NGOs) looking to contribute aid to Gaza, adding that these NGOs must always provide updates on their current situations and be on alert when in critical zones.

The GSF humanitarian mission with its team of international volunteers set sail for Gaza carrying supplies of basic humanitarian aid for Palestinians affected by the unrelenting attacks of the Zionist regime. 

The flotilla is led by international activists and features five vessels, including one that carries Malaysian volunteers. 

As of 7.50 am Malaysia time, 12 Malaysians have been confirmed detained by Israeli forces after their vessels entered the R3 red zone, some 100 nautical miles from Gaza, last night. 

In total, there are 10 vessels in the GSF mission carrying 23 Malaysian citizens to Gaza.

This was not the first time that Israel intercepted flotillas carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza. 

Prior to this, a few international flotilla missions also encountered similar obstacles despite only carrying humanitarian aid and unarmed volunteers. 

Meanwhile, Mohamad said ASEAN must shoulder most of the responsibility towards regional peace, security, and stability, and not yield to the influences of super powers. 

He emphasised that ASEAN continues to be guided by its foundational principles from six decades ago, namely resolutions through dialogues, diplomacy, and consensus. These principles have enabled the region to remain stable compared to many other places in the world. 

According to Mohamad, the ASEAN principle of centrality is to ensure that the region remains free of foreign interference and enable all member states to contribute equally to the sustainable development agenda.

Mohamad calls on ASEAN to act with conviction and a common vision in the face of prevailing challenges, including climate change, geopolitics, and humanitarian issues such as refugees, to safeguard the peace and prosperity of the region.

-- BERNAMA