US backs Malaysia in ending atrocities

WASHINGTON DC: Malaysia’s efforts to stop atrocities against Rohingya Muslims have received the support of a strong ally in the United States and President Donald Trump.

It was a major boost for the cause after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak raised the issue with Trump when the two leaders met at the White House on Tuesday.

The leaders subsequently issued a strongly-worded joint statement when calling for an end to the violence targeting civilians. (See page 16)

The leaders also discussed the need for a strong international community response to the hundreds of thousands of individuals who have been victimised and displaced by violence, including those who have arrived in Bangladesh, the statement said.

At a press conference yesterday, Najib said Trump had also ordered a review of possible aid for the Rohingya Muslims.

“I can say that I had heightened his awareness on the Rohingya issue because when I explained to him on the situation there and the repercussions, he had ordered that a statement be issued calling for violence against the Rohingya Muslims be stopped.

“He had also ordered a review of possible humanitarian aid that can be carried out.”

Najib said he had raised his concerns with Trump, as he promised before coming to the US.

“We wanted a strong statement on the Rohingya issue and we got it. We worked together with the White House and they were supportive of the statement,” he said.

Najib said Malaysia was not interfering in the affairs of another Asean country, but said the issue in Myanmar was a humanitarian one.

“Even within Asean as a community that upholds certain ideals and values, certainly what happens to the Rohingya is an affront to the ideals and values we uphold as members of Asean.

“Within Asean, we have different opinions on how this should be dealt with. But we take the position that what is happening is completely and totally unacceptable.”

He said Malaysia was obligated to take action when the crisis impinged on the image, interest and security of other Asean countries.

Malaysia, he said, would continue to accord aid and get other countries to support the cause.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, he said, would pursue the matter with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and at the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week.