NZ high commissioner grateful for sympathies
KUALA LUMPUR: Opening his speech with “Assalamualaikum”, New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Malaysia Hunter Nottage expressed his gratitude for the sympathy and support from Malaysians over the terror attack at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, on March 15.
Nottage, who was speaking at the Solidarity for Peace rally at Dataran Merdeka here yesterday, mixed his speech with some Malay and conveyed the condolences from New Zealanders to Malaysians over the death of Malaysian Muhammad Haziq Mohd Tarmizi, 17, who was killed in the shooting by a suspected white supremacist.
“New Zealand berasa sangat sedih (is very sad). It is with great sadness that I convey the condolences, compassion and sympathy from the prime minister of New Zealand and all New Zealanders... terima kasih (thank you) for being here for the Solidarity For Peace (rally),” he said.
“Sadly the victims include a Malaysian. Our thoughts are very much with you, your families, some of whom are here and your communities.”
Nottage said the many public gatherings in New Zealand, including the nationwide gathering and prayers held on Friday, were a reflection of togetherness and respect.
“We mourn together, we stand together in the name of unity, dan New Zealand amat berterima kasih kepada Malaysia (and New Zealand is very thankful to Malaysia). When any part of our body suffers, the whole body feels pain. We are so sorry.”
On Friday, New Zealanders gathered for prayers to mark one week since the mass shooting at two mosques in Christchurch, which killed 50 worshippers and injured more than 40 others.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern led thousands of mourners in prayer at a park in front of the Al Noor Mosque and, in a short speech, said: “New Zealand mourns with you. We are one,” followed by two minutes of silence.
Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia Andrew Goledzinowski said the attack committed by an Australian was a disgrace to his country.
“It is true that terrorism has no religion, it has no nationality. But it’s also true in this case that the terrorist is an Australian, which is a matter of great shame for us,” he said.
“But if he intended with his action to separate us, he has failed spectacularly and this gathering proves that.”
Turkish ambassador to Malaysia Dr Merve Safa Kavakci said: “We stand by the side of peace, with the rest of the Muslim community and the rest of world community, who believe that peace will win.”