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Frank
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They are the unsung heroes of the Bondi Junction Westfield stabbings, and one of them paid for his bravery with his life – but there has been no “bollard man” offer of permanent residency to the wounded survivor, Pakistani security guard Muhammad Taha.
When Mr Taha and colleague Faraz Tahir confronted knife-wielding Joel Cauchi as he began a murderous rampage at the shopping centre on Saturday, Mr Tahir was stabbed to death and Mr Taha was badly wounded.
Bondi Junction Westfield security guard, Muhammad Taha, lies in hospital following stabbing injury. Picture: Supplied Bondi Junction Westfield security guard, Muhammad Taha, lies in hospital following stabbing injury. Picture: Supplied Yet unlike the recognition for Frenchman Damien Guerot, there has been no prime ministerial offer to Mr Taha - whose graduate visa is due to expire in less than a month – to stay in Australia “for as long he likes”.
In his first interview since being stabbed on Saturday, Mr Taha told The Australian from his hospital bed that the two men had been together when they saw people running “Faraz moved to assess the situation and to save the people; all of a sudden the guy came out.
“Faraz confronted him and was stabbed. After that, he jumped on me. I tried to defend but got stabbed,” Mr Taha said. “I informed (other security staff) on radio regarding the situation.”
Mr Taha said he was on a subclass 476 visa – a “skilled … recognised graduate visa” – and it was expiring within a month.
“Another individual, using a bollard, bravely attempted to stop the attacker and was subsequently offered residency by the Australian Prime Minister due to his courageous actions,” Mr Taha said.
“Similarly, as a direct victim of the incident, I believe I deserve recognition and consideration for citizenship. As well, the guards working alongside came running towards the point of incident and risking their lives … (they) should be offered citizenship as well.”
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