‘Respect our stand on humanitarian issues’
> Rohingya also human beings and need to be protected, says Ahmad Zahid
PORT DICKSON: Malaysia’s stand on humanitarian issues should be respected, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said Malaysians should be thankful for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak’s firmness and concern while being vocal on these issues at the international level.
“While on his working visit to meet United States President Donald Trump recently, he gave a commitment to champion the plight of the Rohingya, not because it is a religious issue but a humanitarian one.
“Yesterday, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman stated the same at the United Nations General Assembly, and three days ago while in Manila, I also voiced the same views and in fact, I firmly stressed that the Rohingya were also human beings like us and needed to be protected,” Ahmad Zahid said when opening the state-level “Ekspresi Negaraku” programme.
Also present were Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak and Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Ahmad Zahid said the people should set aside their differences of opinion as humanitarian issues are universal issues, Bernama reported.
On another matter, he said all efforts by the federal and state governments were done for the well-being of the current and future generations.
He cited health issues where the government had spent substantial amounts in ensuring good public health.
“For a country like Malaysia, which is moving towards becoming a developed nation, Datuk Seri Najib has established the foundation and mould in public health expenditure. Where can you find people having to pay only RM1 at a (government) hospital (for outpatient treatment) and when the wife gives birth, the fee charged is much lower than that charged by private hospitals?”
In an interview with Bernama Radio earlier, he said issues on security should not be left solely to the police and enforcement agencies, but shouldered by all quarters.
“Violence can happen anywhere and at any time and we have to thank the police for always being prepared for it.
“Without them, we will not be able to live peacefully and in harmony,” he said.