PALESTINIANS SEEKS HELP TO FACE WINTER

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- Two ulama (Islamic scholars) from
Palestine, Sheikh Hussein Khalil and Sheikh Ziad Said Al-Kishawi, met the Prime
Minister's wife Rosmah Mansor here Tuesday to seek help in getting
winter clothes and tents for the sick, elderly and children ahead of the harsh
winter in their country.

Rosmah, who is also the Patron of Malaysia' Palestine Humanitarian Fund,
said the two ulama also asked for aid to refurbish hospitals in Gaza, expedite
medicine aid and help shelter Palestinian refugess in Malaysia temporarily.

"As for providing shelter for Palestinian refugees in Malaysia, they will
have to refer this to the United Nations and get in touch with Malaysia's
Foreign Ministry," she said.

According to Rosmah, the Palestinian Humanitarian Fund had a balance of RM11
million (US$1=RM3.5), and if their appeal for aid was approved by the
government, emergency aid would be provided.

Rosmah said US$1 million (RM3.5 million) from the amount would be used to
purchase a cargo vessel to transport aid to to Gaza as mooted by former prime
minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"A sea journey is a better option to send food and medicine aid to the
people of Gaza as it will not require crossing borders of Palestine's
neighbours," she said.

The two ulama were brought to Malaysia on Sept 10 by HALUAN, a
non-governmental organisation founded by ex-students of higher learning
institutions, in conjunction with its charity drive during this Ramadan month.

They are due to return to their homeland Wednesday.

-- BERNAMA