KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail insisted today that he will wait until he is briefed by all agencies under the ministry before passing any judgment and arriving at preliminary conclusions.
In a press conference today, Saifuddin responded to human rights group Lawyers for Liberty that demanded the Home Ministry look into the Kimanis Immigration depot issue.
Last week, a video clip and several pictures emerged of emaciated men, allegedly detainees at the Kimanis Immigration depot in Sabah appealing for help and that was widely shared on social media platforms.
"This is my fifth day in the office, give me a chance to listen to all the briefings.
"Whoever knows me, they will admit that I am open to criticism and opinions. That's my way of leadership,” he told reporters after his first visit to Bukit Aman police headquarters.
Commenting further, Saifuddin said all ministers and deputy minister who had just started their duties will listen to all the briefings on urgent matters.
"Of course we have aspects that we will share our views on, but for now, we are listening.
"We will interact with relevant departments including the immigration department to which we will give some ideas for improvement," he said.
On Friday, Saifuddin said that it would be premature to assume that the condition of the detainees in the clip was due to the treatment at the said immigration detention facility.
Various groups including LFL have criticised the ministry over a statement downplaying the video clip.
The groups urged the home minister to consult with the related stakeholders after he said it was premature to assume the condition of detainees in Kimanis was due to their treatment there.
