Najib reiterates call for ASEAN solution to Rohingya problem
Najiah Najib
Mei 29, 2015 04:15 MYT
Mei 29, 2015 04:15 MYT
Scores of Rohingya refugees had been recently caught in Thailand waters, many among them children. Some had even died at sea after being in the vessel for too long. - AFP Photo/files
The issue of the Rohingya refugees and its connotation to humanity is no doubt a tricky one, especially for countries which have been affected by it.
Much has been said in the media about why a country should and, at the same time, should not render help to the community should they reach the shores of that country.
In his blog NajibRazak.com today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak expressed this sentiment when he said although we cannot let outsiders come through our borders so easily, we also cannot bear to see the sufferings of the Rohingya people, especially the children.
As humans, we feel compelled to help.
"Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia are feeling the effects of this tragedy of humanity. For the country’s sake, we cannot let outsiders come through our borders so easily.
"However, as humans, we have sympathy. I admit, after looking at the condition of the Rohingya refugees, especial the children who suffer from hunger, thirst and fatigue, I made the decision to instruct operations to save them on our shores," he said.
Najib said the act of the Rohingya community risking their lives waving through rough seas rather than continue to live in Myanmar speaks volumes.
Thus, it is very important for all countries, especially in the ASEAN context, to together find a solution with the government of Myanmar to address this matter, he said.
"Other countries such as third party countries should play a role to help curb this problem and render humanitarian help at the same time.
"We also hope that organisations such as the OIC and the United Nations will each play their role so that serious humanity issues such as this can be overcome," Najib added.