Govt to ensure Malaysians in New Zealand safe following terror attacks — Mahathir
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he regretted very much the deadly terror attacks at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, yesterday.
“I regret very much the incident in Christchurch where 40 people were shot dead by gunmen in two mosques while they were performing Friday prayers.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of the shooting incidents,” said Dr Mahathir in a Facebook post.
He said he hoped that the Government of New Zealand will arrest the terrorists and take the necessary action under the laws of the country.
Dr Mahathir also said that the government will take all possible measures to ensure that Malaysians in New Zealand are safe.
Two Malaysians were injured in the shootings at the Al-Noor and Linwood mosques and are under treatment in hospital.
Earlier, Wisma Putra, in a statement, said Malaysia condemned, in the strongest terms, the senseless act of terror on innocent civilians.
It said that the High Commission of Malaysia in Wellington is in contact with Malaysians in Christchurch and is monitoring the situation closely.
According to media reports, the mass shootings, which took place at 1.40pm (8.40am Malaysian time), claimed the lives of at least 49 people and injured dozens more.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail expressed her heartfelt sympathies to the victims and families affected by the terror attacks.
She strongly condemned the shootings at the two mosques in Christchurch that killed 49 and injured dozens of others, including two Malaysians.
“My heartfelt sympathies go out to the victims and their families during this difficult period.
“I also pray for the strength of the Muslim communities there who must be terrified at this time,” she said in a tweet. — Bernama