Malaysian students in UK told to keep others out of premises

SHAH ALAM: Malaysian students in Manchester should, for the time being, keep foreign students from entering their buildings of residence, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

The Deputy Prime Minister said this is necessary to ensure the safety of Malaysian students there in the wake of the recent bombing.

Three Malaysian students were detained and questioned by Manchester police over the bomb attack before they were released on Monday.

"They are still traumatised because the police there entered their residence and broke down the locked doors.

"The students are now in Malaysia Hall. We hope that for the time being at least, no foreign student is allowed to enter the residences of Malaysian students," he told a press conference after Maghrib prayers Wednesday.

British newspaper The Times said in a report on Wednesday that the raid on the home of the Malaysian students, all in their 20s, was over concerns that the home may have been used by bombing suspect Salman Abedi as a place to stay while avoiding security detection.

Twenty-two people were killed in the attack, which came at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande on May 22.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said he is satisfied with the investigations by Manchester police, and that Malaysia will cooperate in any way if needed.

He observed that Islamophobia is happening not only in Europe and North America, but also Manchester, where there is a sizeable Muslim community.

"In a previous working trip, I met with senior police officers in Manchester who had done engagements with the ulama and senior Islamic leaders there.

"Malaysia has worked with MI5 on counter-terrorism efforts and if we have doubts involving any of our citizens in the UK, we will be sure to inform them," he said.