The Sun (Malaysia)

‘Myanmar leader’ urged to resolve violence

- BY HAIKAL JALIL

PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday called on a Myanmar leader, who was a “democracy fighter”, to use the experience to resolve the Rohingya issue.

However, he did not name the leader concerned.

He said the leader must take heed of the voice of the world to find an amicable solution to the humanitari­an crisis.

“Its (Myanmar) main leader was once recognised by a global organisati­on and it was by fate that the leader is now heading the country.

“The leader must use the experience gained as a democracy, liberal and humanitari­an fighter to (resolve the issue) in Myanmar, so that the award will not be seen merely as a (display item),” he said at the closing ceremony of the Merdeka Rides event at Putrajaya Square.

During his speech on the plight of the Rohingya, Ahmad Zahid also held an impromptu donation drive. After taking off a cap he was wearing and putting some money into it, he asked the audience, consisting of Superbiker­s Associatio­n Malaysia members, to do the same.

“Please give a donation as a sign of our concern (for the Rohingya people), be it 20 sen, RM20, RM200 and even better, RM2,000,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid added that he and several other superbike groups would travel to Rakhine State to provide assistance once the situation there improves.

 ?? BBXPIX ?? Zahid receiving donations from members of the audience who responded to his spontaneou­s donation drive for the Rohingya community in Myanmar.
BBXPIX Zahid receiving donations from members of the audience who responded to his spontaneou­s donation drive for the Rohingya community in Myanmar.

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