KUALA LUMPUR: Several leaders have strongly condemned the terrorist attacks on two mosques in New Zealand during the Friday prayers which have left up to 49 people dead, and expressed condolences and sympathy to the families of those killed.
They are Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa, Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin, Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik, PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Malay and Islamic World (DMDI) present Tan Sri Mohd Ali Rustam.
Mujahid expressed sadness over the attacks which took place as Muslims were praying and resulted in tens of deaths.
“I express my condolences to the families of the dead and pray that the victims achieve martyrdom.
“I pray for Muslims there and elsewhere around the world to be protected by Allah (God) from such danger and threat,” he said in a statement.
Mohamed Azmin strongly condemned the attacks and described them as terrorism against innocent people.
“I am shocked and saddened by the news of the shootings at the mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. I condemn, in the strongest terms, this terrorism against innocent people,” he said.
Zuraida also condemned what New Zealand has described as a terrorist attack and expressed the hope that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
“My condolences to the families of the dead. Hoping for peace to return to New Zealand,” she said.
Maszlee said he hoped that all Malaysian students in New Zealand will exercise caution in the wake of the shootings.
“The ministry will pass on the latest developments,” he tweeted.
Anwar also expressed his condolences and sympathy to the families of the dead and described the incident as uncivilised and contrary to human values.
“I strongly condemn (the attacks) and am closely following the developments. According to the New Zealand police, the situation is still grave and they are on the hunt for the perpetrators,” he said.
Mohd Ali called on the New Zealand government to take immediate action to protect mosques and non-Muslim houses of worship in the wake of the shootings to prevent further attacks.
“DMDI strongly condemns the mass shootings. Those involved in attacking and killing people in and outside the mosques must be brought to justice immediately,” he told Bernama.
News reports said the terrorist attacks on the two mosques in Christchurch during the Friday prayers left at least 49 people dead and many others injured, including two Malaysians.
Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, who is also DAP secretary-general, said he is confident the New Zealand government is doing its best to ensure that the situation is under control and the offenders will be brought to justice.
He said the attacks are not only a crime against the Muslim community in Christchurch but against humanity as a whole.
“No religion condones violence against innocent people, and this incident is contrary to the teachings of all religions,” he said.
Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu, strongly condemning the terror attacks, said the ministry is prepared to work with the Foreign Ministry to ensure the safety of Malaysians in New Zealand.
He said the ministry is awaiting a full report from the office of the defence attache at the Malaysian High Commission in Wellington on the shootings in Christchurch that left at least 49 dead and dozens injured, including two Malaysians.
Mohamad said he believes the New Zealand government will continue to ensure the safety of all civilians in the country and take the appropriate action against the terrorists.
“I hope the families of the victims and the people of Christchurch will be steadfast in facing this test. I urge the world community to condemn this crime which no sane person can accept,” he said in a statement.
PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang described the attacks as a despicable act that went beyond humanitarian limits.
He stressed that the culture of inter-faith tolerance is very important to create universal peace while the culture of prejudice such as Islamophobia must be addressed by all quarters. – Bernama
