Mindef welcomes PM's decision to take in 3,000 Syrian refugees

KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Ministry (Mindef) is committed in helping, in any way, the taking in of Syria refugees into the country.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein (pix), said he welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak's decision to open Malaysia's doors to 3,000 Syrian migrants over the next three years to help alleviate the refugee crisis.
"This is our commitment. I believe what we are doing is based on humanitarian values that puts us on par with other countries, if not better," he told a press conference after the pre-launch of the Malaysian United Run at the ministry today.
Hishammuddin said it was up to the Home Ministry to decide the form of aid that is required, but pointed out the peacekeeping efforts that his ministry had taken part in.
"I have also asked the Armed Forces to consider rolling out and play a more active role in peacekeeping," he said.
On the seven Umno members to be investigated and currently being monitored for "tarnishing" the image of the party and the country, Hishammuddin said he does not know who the seven are.
He however said such actions were a norm and are always being brought up in Umno's supreme council, adding: "What was announced by our secretary-general will be carried out according to the right channels in the party."
Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor had on Monday stressed that the Umno members could face disciplinary action, if deemed necessary.
Meanwhile, Hishammuddin said despite being a strong critic of the prime minister and the government, former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is not a traitor to the party.
He said the accusations made by Mahathir on Najib's leadership were not new, but reminded it should not carry on as it could affect the party.
"If you ask whether he has affected the party, I think no. Before this, many accusations were also thrown at our president, but still the party doesn't break up," he said.
He was commenting on Mahathir's statement on Oct 3, urging voters in Pekan not to vote for their MP Najib at the next general election.