M’sia condemns attacks in northern Rakhine

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia strongly condemned the attacks against Myanmar security forces in northern Rakhine state in Myanmar on Aug 25.

Wisma Putra in a statement yesterday said Malaysia was deeply concerned with the attacks and subsequent development which might have resulted in the loss of innocent lives and the displacement of people.

“We urge the government of Myanmar to handle the situation in a fair and just manner, according to international principles and the protection of human rights which are also enshrined in the AseanCharter and the Asean Human Rights Declaration,” it said.

The statement also calls for humanitarian access be given to those affected by the clash.

In the same statement, Wisma Putra recalled the resolution adopted by the ‘ Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers on the Situation of the Rohingya Muslim Minority in Myanmar’ on Jan 19, 2017.

The said resolution expressed concern over acts of violence and serious human rights violations and abuses towards the Rohingya Muslim minority and urged Myanmar to eliminate the root cause of the conf lict and to take effective measures to prevent the worsening of the humanitarian crisis.

Wisma Putra also welcomed the release of the final report by the Advisory Commission of Rakhine State, particularly on the issue of human rights and welcomed the Myanmar government’s commitment to implement the report’s recommendations.

“Malaysia looks forward to working together with other like- minded countries in extending our support and assistance to the government of Myanmar as it addresses the complex challenges in Rakhine state. — Bernama

The traffic from Gombak Toll Plaza to the east coast moving slowly as the number of vehicles increases. Many city folk begin to head for their hometowns in view of the long National Day, Hari Raya Aidiladha and school holidays. — Bernama photo

The MMMSL brings Haj pilgrims to Arafah for them to start their Haj this year. — Bernama photo