Palestinian envoy issues apology for disturbance at Wisma Transit

PETALING JAYA: Palestinian Ambassador to Malaysia, Walid Abu Ali, has issued a heartfelt apology for the recent disturbance involving a group of Palestinians at Wisma Transit Kuala Lumpur (WTKL).

“I apologise on behalf of all Palestinians in Malaysia and back home for what occurred. This is not our culture, ethics, or beliefs. We, as Palestinians, are always grateful for the endless support shown to our people and our struggle,” he stated when contacted on Friday (Oct 4).

Walid explained that on Aug 16, a total of 127 Palestinian citizens, including 41 who were injured due to Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip, safely arrived in Malaysia. Some of the patients were transferred to Tuanku Mizan Military Hospital, while their relatives were provided accommodations in hotels.

“For their own security and safety, the patients were kept in the healthcare facility with restricted movements and limited visitors,” he said.

According to Walid, some patients have been in the hospital since their arrival and have had little opportunity to go out. “They are under a lot of emotional stress from coming from war-torn Gaza, and this has contributed to their emotional pressure. Some are experiencing a completely new culture and environment,” he added.

He further mentioned that the Palestinian Embassy in Malaysia has been working diligently to maintain contact with the patients, visiting them regularly and providing for their needs as best as possible. “I always remind them to respect the host country and its people because there are thousands of Palestinians back in Gaza who do not have the same opportunities as they do,” Walid said.

He revealed that some patients have expressed a desire to return to Palestine, and the embassy has been coordinating with the relevant authorities to assist them. “For those who wish to go back to Palestine through Egypt, we will facilitate and coordinate their return. For those who choose to stay, we will continue to provide the necessary healthcare until they are fully treated,” Walid stated.

“My message to Malaysians is that such an incident will not happen again. We love Malaysia and its people. However, please consider that these individuals have come under immense pressure due to the ongoing war. They need special care. We at the embassy, along with Malaysia’s Defence Ministry, are doing our best to assist them while they are here,” he added.

The incident on Wednesday evening (Oct 2) involved a slipper being thrown at an officer, with property being damaged after a group of Palestinians reportedly became upset over being denied permission to stay outside Wisma Transit Kuala Lumpur (WTKL).

According to a statement issued by the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) on Friday (Oct 4), “It is believed that some Palestinians were unhappy because enforcement officers did not allow one of them to stay outside.” The statement continued, “The individual involved became upset and caused a commotion in front of the WTKL guard station with family and friends.”

On the same evening, WTKL, a hospitality complex primarily serving military personnel, civilian staff members of the Defence Ministry, and their families in transit, denied the group’s request to leave the premises, as they were in Malaysia solely for transit purposes. “The officer on duty also asked those involved to leave the area. They then entered the main lobby of WTKL, causing a disturbance and damaging vases and decorations there,” the Defence Ministry statement explained.

One member of the group allegedly threw a slipper at an officer during the incident.

“Representatives of the Palestinian Embassy were present and attempted to de-escalate the situation but were unsuccessful,” the statement concluded.

Videos of the incident have since gone viral.