Stop the violence, Suu Kyi told

Wisma Putra: M’sia is concerned over plight of Rohingya in Rakhine

PETALING JAYA: Myanmar ambassador to Malaysia U Sein Oo was summoned by the Government over the escalation of violence against the Rohingya in Rakhine State.

During the meeting, Wisma Putra conveyed Malaysia’s concerns over the crisis.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, in a statement, said despite previous assurances by Myanmar, recent incidents of violence showed little progress had been achieved.

Anifah said as a Nobel laureate who stood up for the principles of human rights, the international community had placed high expectation on Myanmar’s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi to achieve national peace and reconciliation.

“It is Malaysia’s hope she will be able to fulfil these expectations soon,” he added.

The recent violence in Myanmar was set off by a coordinated attack on Aug 25 on dozens of police posts and an army base by militants.

Wisma Putra also said security measures taken following the attacks must not lead to another humanitarian crisis.

Anifah also spoke with his Iranian and Turkish counterparts about the situation.

Their discussions included the convening of a special meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to focus on the plight of the Rohingya.

“Anifah had telephone conversations with the Foreign Minister of Iran Mohammad Javad Zarif and the Turkish counterpart Mevlüt Çavusoglu.

“Their discussions focused on the plight of the Rohingya people, including a proposal to convene a special meeting of the OIC,” the statement said.

It is understood that the foreign ministers may meet on the sidelines of the OIC science and technology summit in Kazakhstan this weekend.

“Looking at the gravity of the situation, the foreign ministers could use that occasion to discuss it (the issue),” said an official.

Malaysia hosted an extraordinary session of the OIC on the plight of the Rohingya in January where Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the Muslim world could not stand by and do nothing.

In a separate statement, Wisma Putra issued a travel advisory asking Malaysians to defer all non-essential travel to Rakhine State.

In KANGAR, Perlis Mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin called on Malaysian Muslims to assist the Rohingya community.

He said Muslims should show the world that Islam loved peace.

“Show the spirit of brotherhood and our sympathy to our brothers and sisters who are being killed mercilessly.

“Extend whatever help possible. Show the world that Muslims love peace,” he said in his Facebook post.