SINTOK: The recent clash between several Palestinians and security personnel at Wisma Transit Kuala Lumpur should not be used as an excuse to send them back to their war-torn homeland, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Home Minister emphasised that it would be unreasonable for the government to act in such a manner, urging Malaysians not to generalise the incident or blame Palestinians as a whole.
"What's important is that we seek solutions on how we can apply existing laws concerning their presence here," he said during a townhall session at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM).
The Home Ministry is prepared to cooperate, as the related Acts governing their stay fall under its jurisdiction.
"It depends on the type of suitable pass for them to be here," Saifuddin explained.
He noted that the government's decision to bring wounded Palestinians, especially children, to Malaysia reflects a humanitarian commitment.
The recent clash occurred when some Palestinians expressed dissatisfaction with being placed at the protection centre and having their movements controlled.
"Their presence here is primarily for treatment, so the pass issued was suitable for that purpose. We have discussed this at the ministry level and plan to propose the issuance of a more suitable pass," he added. – Bernama
