Malaysia: The Rohingya issue is a humanitarian issue and not an interference in the internal affairs of Myanmar

“Since the efforts of the solution can not be undertaken by Bangladesh alone, it definitely needs the help of others, including Malaysia,” Hamidi said. “Malaysia believes that this humanitarian problem needs to be resolved through regional cooperation, especially ASEAN.” 

Although Myanmar was among ASEAN member States, humanitarian issues must be cross-border; Malaysia therefore insisted through the Prime Minister that Myanmar should solve the problem with the assistance of international organizations.

And that “ethnic cleansing” should not occur in Arakan, Myanmar.

Ahmed Zahid told Malaysian journalists at the end of his recent two-day visit to Bangladesh . One of his main programs was to visit the Rohingya refugee camps in Kutubpalong, about 35 kilometers from Cox’s Bazaar on Monday.

“Malaysia is in the process of taking action against those involved in this case, especially the internal investigations by the Myanmar armed forces against some military commanders who led certain units that there is an opposition group against the central government,” the deputy prime minister said.

He said Malaysia would cooperate with ASEAN countries concerned about the problem with the International Organization of Migrants and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), as well as with many other international organizations.

Hamidi said that the most important now is to continue to provide medical and educational assistance. The long-term effort is the eventual return of these refugees to their country of origin.