KUALA LUMPUR: Efforts to repatriate Malaysians stranded abroad due to the international closure of borders following the Covid-19 pandemic should transcend political boundaries and differences.
Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Kamarudin Jaafar said this as he extended an invitation to all parties to cooperate and work closely with the government in its bid to bring home Malaysians stranded in other countries.
Although the government via Wisma Putra has been tasked with providing assistance to Malaysians abroad, Kamarudin believes that all quarters should work together with the current administration in this difficult time due to the adverse impact of the Covid-19 outbreak.
“I am aware that there were reports alleging that Wisma Putra had completely surrendered its responsibilities to other parties over the repatriation exercise.
“I want to stress that the support received (by the government) is merely in the form of funding the cost of flights (used in the repatriation exercise) and that negotiations with the governments of the respective nations are being handled by Wisma Putra through available diplomatic channels.
“And Wisma Putra will continue to play our role (in the mission to evacuate Malaysians stranded abroad) irrespective of the challenges. We, however, welcome any party who wishes to assist us in such missions,” he told a press conference here today.
Kamarudin extended the ministry’s appreciation to Plus Max Group chief executive officer Datuk S. Prakadeesh Kumar, who had announced his intention to fund a special charter flight to bring home Malaysians stranded in Nepal.
He also thanked Malaysia Airlines Bhd which had announced that it would be reinstating international flights between April and May this year that will enable Malaysians stranded abroad to return home.
On a related matter, Kamarudin urged Malaysian students abroad to keep in touch on the latest developments with Education Malaysia, the Public Service Department, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) as well as Malaysian student community representatives in their respective countries.
“Please remain calm, do not panic, look after your health and follow the instructions of your respective universities, local authorities and the Malaysian embassy in your respective countries,” he said.