The six Malaysians on board the ship Rachel Corrie are in high spirits and prepared to face whatever lies ahead in their mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Veteran journalist Shamsul Akmar, in a statement Thursday on behalf of the Malaysian delegation, said: “Glad to hear about the release of fellow Malaysians, although we are concerned that they were not treated well.

“Hope we don’t have to go through the same ordeal but that choice is not ours. We are prepared to face whatever situation that awaits us. We are determined to go ahead and carry on with this mission.

“Hopefully, with international pressure and backing from the various governments, we will be able to go further and be given safe passage to Gaza. Everyone on board is in high spirits,” he added.

On Monday, the Mavi Marmara, leading a convoy of six vessels bound for Gaza to deliver aid to 100,000 Palestinians, was stormed by Israeli forces in international waters. At least nine activitist on board the ship were killed, while the rest, including 12 Malaysians, were detain. They have since been released, and the 12 are expected to be back in Malaysia by Sunday.

Eighteen Malaysians volunteers were involved in the humanitarian mission, with six on board the Rachel Corrie, which was not part of the convoy as it was delayed due to mechanical problems.

The global community has condemned the attack.

Source: The Star Online