EMBASSY IN AMMAN GATHERING INFO ON MALAYSIAN VOLUNTEERS

By Muin Abdul Majid

DUBAI, June 1 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian embassy in Jordan is using all
means possible, including diplomatic channels, to get a clearer picture of the
situation concerning the Malaysian volunteers on board a vessel laden with
humanitarian aid which attacked by Israel off the coast of Gaza on Monday.

Led by ambassador Abdul Malek Abdul Aziz, the embassy was trying its
level best to get a handle on the matter, said an official at the mission in the
Jordanian capital, Amman.

"We're trying to determine exactly how many Malaysians are involved as
well as their whereabouts," the official told Bernama when contacted Tuesday.

The conditions of the Malaysians were also of concern the official said,
adding: "We're trying to gather information on whether they're injured or
otherwise."


The embassy is also seeking the cooperation of Malaysian organisations which
had sent volunteers on the humanitarian mission to Gaza, which is under Israeli
blockade for three years, to furnish their (volunteers') contact numbers.

Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak Tuesday that he had instructed the
Malaysian Foreign Ministry to save Malaysian nationals who had been on board the
ship.

Speaking in Kuala Lumpur, he said that in view that there was no
communication with the parties involved, Malaysia would get the help of the
United Nations and third countries.

A group of Malaysians, including a journalist and a cameraman from Astro
Awani, was said to be on board the Turkish ship, Mavi Marmara, when it was
attacked.

At least 10 people were reported killed in the dramatic Israeli attack
which has drawn international condemnation.

So far, the fate of the Malaysians is not known.

The Mavi Marmara was part of a convoy of ships bringing what organisers
described as much-needed humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

-- BERNAMA