Humanitarian Missions to Gaza Must Coordinate with Wisma Putra, Says Foreign Minister Tok Mat

REMBAU, Oct 12: Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has urged all non-governmental organizations (NGOs) planning to carry out humanitarian missions to Gaza to coordinate closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra) to ensure the smooth and safe delivery of aid.

Speaking to reporters after handing over education and Deepavali contributions to more than 1,000 recipients in Rembau, Tok Mat said Malaysia’s diplomatic relations with Egypt and Jordan play a vital role in facilitating the transport of humanitarian supplies through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt and the King Hussein Bridge connecting the West Bank and Jordan.

“To NGOs and individuals eager to help the oppressed people of Gaza, I say thank you. However, for delivering aid, it’s best that we do it as a coordinated group, not individually or haphazardly,” he said.

He added that NGOs should inform Wisma Putra of their activities, which would then notify authorities in Egypt and Jordan to help expedite the process of aid delivery.

Tok Mat also noted that several Malaysian NGOs, including Sumud Nusantara, have long operated in the region, maintaining warehouses in Egypt to store supplies and deliver food to Gaza before the closure of the Rafah crossing.

On the Gaza peace plan, Mohamad welcomed Hamas’ decision to accept the proposal brokered by the United States, describing it as a “small but important window” to deliver humanitarian assistance despite the plan’s 20 points favoring Israel.

“If Hamas had rejected the proposal, there would be no opportunity for Gazans to receive international aid. They would continue to face attacks and possibly be forced out of Gaza,” he said.

He reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to urging the United Nations to convene an emergency summit to establish a free and sovereign Palestine, in line with UN Security Council resolutions.

At the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur later this month, Mohamad said all decisions regarding the attendance of state leaders were made by consensus among ASEAN members.

Addressing speculation over former US President Donald Trump’s appearance, he said Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, cannot decide unilaterally but views such participation as an opportunity for direct dialogue.

“Trump’s presence would allow us to engage directly and discuss matters beneficial to Malaysia while ensuring that international pressure on Israel continues,” he added.

The 47th ASEAN Summit will take place at the end of this month in Kuala Lumpur.