Najib: Safe return of Abu Sayyaf kidnap victims a relief
Najib spending time with the two hostages, Tayudin Anjut (second from right wheelchair) and Abd Rahim (left wheelchair) who have been recently released by the Abu Sayyaf.
KUALA LUMPUR: After a gruelling eight months, the two Malaysians who were rescued from Abu Sayyaf have finally been reunited with their families.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who hosted their return at his residence in Jalan Duta said no ransom was paid to get them back.
"We are grateful that they are back after eight months and have safely returned to their families.
"They explained the sufferings they went through and I heard the pressure the families had to undergo during the period of their detention," he said.
He added that both Abd Rahim Summas, 62, and Tayudin Anjut,45, have sustained some injuries that need to be treated.
"Tayudin is having issues with his eyesight and will require surgery while Abd Rahim is unable to walk as he is having some problems with his leg.
"We have arranged for them to be treated in a first class ward at the Selayang hospitals and we have allocated specialist doctors to look into their injuries," he said.
Najib added that the government and the police are currently doing everything in their power to ensure the return of the other three men, Mohd Ridzuan Ismail, 32, Fandy Bakran, 26 and Mohd Zumadi Rahim, 23.
"To them, I would like to say, stay strong and be tough. We will get them back safe at the soonest," he stressed.
Abd Rahim and Tayudin were among five tugboat crewmen abducted in waters off Dent Haven in Lahad Datu district last July 18.
The three other sailors, also from Tawau, are still in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf.
Later in Parliament, Najib briefly announced the rescue of Tayudin and Abd Rahim.
“The government would like to express gratitude to the Filipino government, law enforcement authorities and Kelab Putera 1Malaysia for its commitment to securing the safe release of both Malaysians,” he told the Dewan Rakyat before answering the first question in the day’s order paper.
Read more at http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/03/27/najib-safe-return-of-abu-sayyaf-kidnap-victims-a-relief/#vzc6cZmcPH50XKEH.99
