KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Ministry (Mindef) has clarified that it has not appointed non- governmental organisations (NGOs) to collect funds to cover the treatment cost of Palestinian patients currently in Malaysia.
Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Mindef and the Malaysian Armed Forces had established their own channels for parties wishing to contribute.
“We don’t utilise or endorse any NGOs to collect funds because the ministry and the military hospital already have their own channels. Those who wish to contribute can do so through these channels.
“If anyone claims to be raising funds for Palestinian patients, please verify with us. We welcome assistance, but it should be directed through the proper channels we have established,” he told Bernama after launching the ministry-level Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign in conjunction with the National Month celebration here yesterday.
Also present were Chief of Defence Forces Gen Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman, Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak, Air Force chief Gen Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan, acting Navy chief Vice-Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain and Army deputy chief Lt-Gen Datuk Tengku Muhammad Fauzi Tengku Ibrahim.
Mohamed Khaled said the Palestinians who arrived in Malaysia for treatment last Friday were receiving proper care.
“I believe we are providing them with necessary treatment, which may take time due to the severity of their injuries,” he said.
When asked about future missions to bring more injured Palestinians to Malaysia, he said it would depend on the government’s decision.
Last Friday, two Royal Malaysian Air Force Airbus A-400M aircraft carrying 41 injured Palestinians and 86 family members landed safely at the Subang Air Base after taking off from Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday night.
