UK GOV'T EXTENDS SYMPATHIES TO INJURED M'SIAN STUDENT

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 11 (Bernama) -- The UK government has expressed sadness
over the injury suffered by a Malaysian student during the riots in East London
Tuesday, and has extended sympathies to the family of the victim.

UK acting High Commissioner to Malaysia Ray Kyles said he conveyed the
sympathies and concern of the UK government to Foreign Minister Anifah Aman at
the latter's office in Putrajaya Wednesday.

"The British High Commission wishes to express its shock at the brutal and
cowardly attack in East London on Malaysian student Muhammad Asyraf Haziq
Rossli.

"We are shocked at the injury he received and we remain in close touch with
Malaysian authorities about him. The High Commission also condemns it in the
strongest possible terms," he told a press conference at his office, here.

Muhammad Asyraf, in his 20s, a Mara-sponsored accountancy student, was
attacked and mugged by a mob of rioters while he was on his way to buy food to
break his Ramadan fast.

The Selangor-born student, who injured his jaw, is being treated at the
Royal London Hospital.

Reports said the UK government had deployed 16,000 policemen across London
to control the situation and end the violence.

Kyles said increasing security power did not mean that the situation was not
under control, adding that it was an important part of the strategy to bring a
rapid end to the violence.

"The perpetrators are already starting to feel the consequences of their
actions, with more than 650 arrests in London alone resulting in some 111
individuals being charged so far," he said.

Kyles said the high commission would continue to encourage those planning to
visit Britain in the coming days and weeks or intending to study there to
continue with their plans.



"At the same time, we would endorse the advice of the Malaysian Ministry of
Foreign Affairs that individuals should exercise caution and avoid areas where
violence has occurred until order is fully restored," he said.

Meanwhile, Mara, through its office in London and with the cooperation of
the Malaysian High Commission in London, is monitoring the safety of its
scholars there.

Mara director-general Ibrahim Ahmad said in a statement that Mara was
in contact with Wisma Putra to get the latest information on the situation in
the UK.

Some 700 students sponsored by Mara are in the UK.

Ibrahim said Mara would bear the cost of Muhammad Asyraf's treatment.

He reminded Mara students to abide by the advice and instructions issued via
e-mail, Twitter and the mass media as well as to contact the Mara office in
London for assistance.

The public can reach the Mara office in London via telephone number +004477
74948685 or +00442072433478 or the Kuala Lumpur office at 03- 2613 2005 or
03-2613 2002.

The riots in London had their origin in Tottenham several days ago after a
man was shot dead by police. They had also spread to other cities, including
Birmingham, Liverpool, Bristol and Manchester.