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Malaysia Will Continue Sending Troops to Indonesia
Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said Indonesia's order to foreign troops to leave the tsunami-lashed Aceh by March 26 did not include Malaysia. He said that Indonesia had clarified that they only wanted foreign troops who were not involved in the humanitarian missions to get out of the region. Therefore, he said, Malaysia which was playing active roles in the missions, would continue to send its troops to the region.
"We will also send a medical team soon," he told reporters after launching a song for the tsunami victims, entitled "Suluhkan Sinar" (Shine a Light) and receiving RM1.74 million for the National Disaster Relief Fund from contributors at the KL Tower here Thursday.
To date there are 265 Malaysians in Aceh for the humanitarian missions. The instruction that foreign troops should leave by March 26 at the latest was issued by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who was quoted as saying that Indonesia could not depend on foreign assistance all the time.
Najib said the Malaysian Armed Forces Chief, Mohd Zahidi Zainuddin, had received the clarification from his Indonesian counterpart after Indonesian Vice-President Yusuf Kalla issued a statement Wednesday that the foreign troops leave the country as soon as they complete their relief missions.
"What Indonesia meant was that non-essential military personnel should leave the region. Those involved in the humanitarian mission can stay," he said. Najib said the Indonesian army chief had also welcomed the efforts by Malaysian Armed Forces to set up a field hospital and an aid centre in Aceh to help the tsunami victims.
There are now about 2,000 troops from various countries carrying out humanitarian missions in Aceh since tsunami struck several countries around the Indian Ocean following an undersea earthquake on the north western part of Aceh.
Meanwhile, Deputy Defence Minister Zainal Abidin Zin said Malaysian soldiers and volunteers in Aceh had been reminded not to interfere in Indonesia's internal affairs and politics.
"Those found to be doing so will be brought back immediately," he told reporters after witnessing the departure of KD Mahawangsa which carried 128 tonnes of foodstuff, medicine, hand gloves and tents to Aceh from Port Klang. On the vessel were 127 soldiers and 213 crew members.
Zainal Abidin said another Royal Malaysian Navy vessel, Indra Sakti would carry more items to Aceh on Jan 18.
Kuala Lumpur 14/01/2005
