KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 — The Defence Ministry (Mindef) has clarified it did not appoint non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to collect funds to cover the treatment costs of Palestinian patients currently in Malaysia.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said his ministry and the Malaysian Armed Forces have established their own channels for parties wishing to contribute.
“We don’t utilise or endorse any NGOs to collect funds as the ministry and the military hospital 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 that have been established,” he said after launching the ministry’s Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign for Merdeka month here today.
Also present were Chief of Defence Forces Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman, Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak, Air Force chief Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan, acting navy chief Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain, and army deputy chief Datuk Tengku Muhammad Fauzi Tengku Ibrahim.
Meanwhile, Khaled said the Palestinians who arrived in Malaysia for treatment on Friday are receiving appropriate care.
“I believe we are providing them with necessary and appropriate treatment. They are currently undergoing 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, Khaled said it would depend on the government’s decision.
On Friday, two Royal Malaysian Air Force Airbus A-400M aircraft, carrying 41 injured Palestinians and 86 family members, landed safely at the RMAF Subang Air Base at around 2pm, after taking off from Al Maza Air Force Base in Cairo, Egypt, the previous night.
— Bernama
