PETALING JAYA: Vietnam is leading in representing Asean countries in Israel after Malaysians in the Global Sumud Flotilla were detained, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
The Foreign Minister said Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei do not have embassies in Israel, so Vietnam has assumed the Asean chair role to coordinate consular assistance.
“We have discussed this with our Asean counterparts,” he said on Saturday (Oct 4).
“Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei do not have embassies in Israel. Therefore, Vietnam, which does, has taken on the role of Asean chair in Israel,” he said.
“We have requested Asean countries with representation there to extend consular assistance to our detained citizens,” added Mohamad.
He spoke at a press conference at the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre in Sepang.
Mohamad said Malaysia has also received assurances of support from several friendly nations.
“Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi personally assured me last night that he has directed his ministry and other relevant Jordanian agencies to assist Malaysian nationals,” he said.
He said this is the same assistance provided to Jordanian detainees.
“Turkiye has also given its assurance that Malaysians will be helped in every possible way,” he added.
He stressed that Malaysia’s wide network of friendships is crucial in times of need.
“This is the advantage of being a country that maintains friendly relations with many nations,” he said.
“For instance, when Tehran was bombed recently, some Asean countries without embassies there, like Singapore, were unable to evacuate their citizens,” added Mohamad.
“We helped bring them back. It is an understanding among us to assist each other when needed,” he said.
Mohamad urged families of the detained Malaysians not to worry.
He said that they are safe and steps to bring them home are already arranged.
“I hope the families will not worry too much. They are in good condition, and all parties, especially the SNCC, are working to ensure their swift release. Arrangements for their return are already in place,” he said.
He added that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has spoken to Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
He said the Turkish government has agreed to facilitate their repatriation.
“There are also Malaysians who have pledged to help bring them back once they reach Jordan,” he added.
