When Will Injured Palestinians Balik Kampung

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Before rights groups and righteous individuals come down like a tonne of bricks, let me reiterate what I said last year: “Like most Malaysians, I am in solidarity with oppressed groups. But I admit that I am one of those who disagree with what you consider a noble deed.
“But do not get me wrong. Lest I am accused of being indifferent and apathetic to human sufferings, let me declare that I empathise with the miseries of fellow human beings who are victims of strife, war, and other calamities.
“Regardless of their colour, creed, or religion, they deserve help, and I have spoken out against the lack of sympathy and understanding of their plight.”
On Aug 15 last year, in what was perceived as a triumph for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Madani government, Bernama reported: “The mission to bring injured Palestinians to receive medical treatment in Malaysia was finally accomplished today after two painstaking months of negotiations with the Egyptian government.”
The government said that 41 patients who were reportedly “chronically ill,” comprising 20 men and 21 women aged between eight months and 62 years, had injuries of broken and missing limbs, severe head injuries, and eye injuries would be treated at the Tunku Mirzan Hospital in Kuala Lumpur.
Eighty-six family members of the injured were also flown in after going through a special security and health screening.
Despite Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan and Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi separately saying the Palestinians will be repatriated once their treatment is complete, there are no indications that they will be going anywhere soon.
“Our promise to Palestine... they (the injured) do not want to leave (Palestine), they would rather die in their country... they want to die in their homeland, so we have to send them back,” Mohamad had said.
Not going anywhere
The first commotion involving Palestinians at Wisma Transit in October last yearAfter six months and two disturbing incidents that were described as “commotions”, there are no indications that they will return to Gaza any time soon.
In October last year, the first saw slippers thrown at an army officer, a bonfire lit, and derogatory statements about their hosts at the Wisma Transit Kuala Lumpur, where they are being accommodated.
For security reasons and their safety, the Palestinians were not allowed to leave the building, hence their show of frustration.
Some Palestinians gathered at the guard house and were asked to leave the area. They then entered the main lobby breaking vases and damaging decorations.
Video clips circulated on social media showed even children taking part in pouring vitriol over the Malaysian government.
Expressing regret over the viral incident, Palestine’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Walid Abu Ali, said it involved two Palestinian women and did not reflect the conduct of Palestinians in general.
Following the incident, embassy staff visited the centre and met with its security officials and the Palestinians involved to resolve the matter, he said.
According to Walid, the individuals reacted emotionally out of frustration for not being allowed to leave the centre freely due to safety reasons.
Not commotion, but riot
Wisma Transit is a hotel-style hospitality complex that accommodates those in transit. It is mainly for military personnel, civilian Defence Ministry staff members, and their families.
In the second, two weeks ago, was yet another incident that the authorities said was “brought under control.”
The first disturbance involving Palestinians at Wisma Transit in October last yearThe word “commotion” was used to be diplomatic and politically correct, but for all intent and purpose, it was a riot.
Anwar who proudly told the world that Malaysia is the first country in Asia to provide such treatment, must also acknowledge that the government’s kindness has been taken for weakness.
It may be a “feel good” sensation to outdo more than a dozen Arab nations that have refused to allow entry for those running away from the ravages of war in the Gaza Strip.
After the second riot, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the Foreign Ministry and the Defence Ministry would liaise with the Egyptian government to facilitate repatriation.
But when will that happen? The urgency was such that it had to be done yesterday to prevent further riots.
But was this all not planned when the government decided to fly them last year? Didn’t someone realise the dangers of confining the Palestinians? Wasn’t there a timeline? Or was it a case of doing it first and planning later?
Don’t repeat failure
Hopefully, a lesson was learnt, and the government will not repeat such failures, although it continues to claim it was a humanitarian response to the suffering of innocent people.
But then, if Anwar and Malaysia want to be at the forefront and overshadow Palestine’s neighbours (most of whom do not involve themselves in the armed conflict), such unplanned activities will continue.
Those who criticise will be admonished, citing a variety of silly reasons. As citizens, we can only hope we will not be misled in the selective “rescue” missions.
More urgent issues at home need to be resolved but are not attended to. When will the focus turn to local issues? - Mkini
R NADESWARAN is a veteran journalist who writes on bread-and-butter issues. Comments: [email protected].
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

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