December 4, 2025
Local
Local
SEPANG, Oct 12 — Malaysia has extended its heartfelt gratitude to Türkiye for its strong cooperation in securing the release and safe return of nine Malaysian activists detained by Israel while participating in the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Thousand Madleens to Gaza (FFC x TMTG) mission on Oct 8.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the close relationship between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan played a key role in ensuring the volunteers’ release on Oct 10 and their subsequent transfer to Istanbul.
“Alhamdulillah, we are thankful to Allah SWT for the successful mission to bring home the nine FFC and TMTG participants from Istanbul.
“The Malaysian government also conveys its deepest appreciation to all friendly nations for their diplomatic efforts and cooperation,” he told reporters after welcoming the nine volunteers’ arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Dr Zulkifli said the safe return of the volunteers reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the safety and welfare of its citizens, consistent with the principle of Ihsan under the Malaysia MADANI framework.
He added that the success was the result of close collaboration between various ministries, departments, and agencies, including Humanitarian Care Malaysia (MyCARE), which played a significant role in ensuring the volunteers’ safe journey home.
He reaffirmed that the government remains fully committed to safeguarding the safety and well-being of Malaysians everywhere, in accordance with domestic and international laws.
The activists departed Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK60 at 1.40am on Sunday and arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 4.01pm.
The eight Malaysians on board the Conscience were Malaysian delegation head Prof Emeritus Dr Mohd Alauddin Mohd Ali, Dr Fauziah Mohd Hassan, Dr Hafiz Sulaiman, Dr Ili Syakira Mohd Suhaimi, Prof Dr Mohd Afandi Salleh, Dr Noorhasyimah Ismail, Norsham Abu Bakar and Astro Awani journalist Syafik Shukri Abdul Jalil, while another participant, Dr Maziah Muhammad, was aboard the Umm Saad. — Bernama
