Malaysia committed to helping Myanmar resolve Rohingya crisis

PETALING JAYA: The Foreign Affairs Ministry has dismissed claims that Malaysia's vocal position on the Rohingyas could restrict it from playing a pivotal role in seeking a long-term solution for conflict in Myanmar.

It added Malaysia's vocal position on the Rohingya issue has paved the way for Myanmar to host an Asean Foreign Ministers' Retreat on Dec 19 in Rangoon, Myammar which will see Foreign Ministers from the Asean community discuss the development and ongoing conflict in the Rakhine State.
"We welcome this positive development and (Foreign Minister) Datuk Seri Anifah Aman is prepared to discuss with his Myanmar counterpart, Aung San Suu Kyi on how Malaysia can assist Myanmar in finding a just, expeditious and durable solution to the protracted issue in the northern Rakhine State," Wisma Putra said in a statement.
It also reiterated the issue in Rakhine state must be resolved swiftly as it had resulted in the loss of innocent lives and the displacement of people, as well as impacted the security and stability of the region.
"Malaysia is concerned that if the crisis in northern Rakhine State is not addressed urgently by the Myanmar government, it will impact the security and stability of the region, including Malaysia."
"The exodus of more refugees to neighbouring countries, including Malaysia, would witness a repeat of the 2015 boat people crisis," it added.
During the 2015 boat people crisis, Malaysia played an instrumental role by convening a tripartite meeting with Indonesia and Thailand which was held at Wisma Putra and led by Anifah in May 2015 to discuss and resolve the issue.
The outcome of the meeting saw Malaysia and Indonesia agreeing to provide humanitarian assistance and temporary shelter to the 7000 boat people stranded along the three countries' maritime borders while awaiting resettlement or repatriation.
"Malaysia's leading role in this instance led to a resolution of the crisis and saved innocent lives," it said, adding that is why Malaysia views the current situation in the Rakhine State as no longer an 'internal affair' but one of regional consequence.