"Viral" Palestinians not forced to return, free to decide - Ambassador
The Ambassador clarified that Palestinians at the centre, especially those injured, have been provided with all essential services and medical care during their stay.
SHAH ALAM - Palestinian Ambassador to Malaysia Walid Abu Ali, has dismissed claims that recent outbursts by some Palestinian civilians staying at Wisma Transit, Kuala Lumpur (WTKL) were due to a shortage of basic services and medical care.
The Ambassador clarified that Palestinians at the centre, especially those injured, have been provided with all essential services and medical care during their stay.
"Unfortunately, some of them are emotional and experiencing high levels of stress.
"I deeply regret what has happened, but whatever was needed has been supplied by the Malaysian government and the Defence Ministry according to their individual needs,” he said when met after attending 'The Palestinian Diaries: A Day of Culture, Stories and Solidarity' programme organised by Sinar Daily at the Karangkraf Group, on Tuesday.
This response follows media reports of a Palestinian woman creating a stir at the lobby of Wisma Transit after being denied permission to leave and stay elsewhere for safety reasons.
Wisma Transit, a facility under the Defence Ministry, serves multiple purposes, including providing accommodation.
Walid further confirmed that his office had submitted a letter to the Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, addressing complaints raised by Palestinians at the centre.
The complaints centred around communication facilities to Egypt and Gaza, education for children, and freedom of movement.
"We and officials from the Ministry of Defence have also agreed that if they (the Palestinians) wish to return (to Egypt), they are free to do so.
“If they wish to stay until they are fully recovered, they may continue to stay. No one is forcing them to return. It is their decision and we are waiting for their response,” he said.
The ambassador, however, reiterated his apology for the incident.
On Oct 5, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail assured the public that the government was paying close attention to the complaints brought forward by injured Palestinian families who were brought to Malaysia for medical treatment.
One of the women in the video, identified as Aminah Muhammad Nafi Jamal Abd Rabah has also expressed her apologies, explaining that the outburst was a result of immense stress.
She added that she had been unable to contact her child in Gaza for over a week, which contributed to the situation.
