Act against perpetrators, Malaysia tells Myanmar
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has urged the Myanmar government to take action against those who committed acts of violence against the Rohingya and other minorities in the country, especially in Rakhine State, according to international laws.
Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said the report of the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar, released on Aug 24, confirmed Malaysia’s worst fears that the crimes against the Rohingya in Myanmar since Aug 25 last year resembled acts of genocide committed in the past.
“The crimes described in the report are consistent with those outlined in the 1948 Genocide Convention, which Myanmar is party to. For this reason, the Myanmar government has to take action against the perpetrators of crimes, under international law, committed against the Rohingya and other minorities in Myanmar, especially in Rakhine State.
“If Myanmar is incapable of ensuring justice in this regard, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has the responsibility to establish an international judicial mechanism to try those individuals most responsible for these crimes. This was the view of the majority of the members of UNSC at the open briefing on Aug 28 in New York.”
He said the UN report provided incontrovertible proof of what the Myanmar military and its government had been denying all this time — intentional, concerted, systematic, consistent and planned acts and policies to destroy and remove, in particular the Rohingya, from Myanmar.
“It should be noted that the Myanmar military and government were given ample opportunity to provide their side of the story. Therefore, they cannot say that the report is biased, unfair and driven by a political agenda.” Saifuddin said more than 20 years ago, Malaysia, under Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s leadership, strived to bring Myanmar into the Asean fold. He said the inclusion of Myanmar, as well as Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, as members of Asean had brought benefits not only for the countries, but also the region and the world.
“However, aspirations for Myanmar will not be fulfilled if it refuses to account for policies that reflect mankind’s darkest past.”
“As a member of Asean, Myanmar must ascribe to the ideals of the Asean Charter. These include Asean members respecting the fundamental freedoms, the promotion and protection of human rights and the promotion of social justice.”
Saifuddin said Malaysia would continue to speak about the plight of Rohingya.
“We will continue to call for international support for Bangladesh, in which close to a million Rohingya have found refuge.”