KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — Members of Parliament (MPs) from both sides of the divide want the government to show more commitment to quickly resolve the Rohingya issue, with the cooperation of other Asean countries.

Datuk Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (BN-Lenggong) said if the issue was not handled wisely, it would undermine Malaysia’s credibility and dignity as Asean Chairman, and also threaten national security.

“Some quarters are using the Rohingya issue to pressure us because Malaysia is the Asean Chairman. The Rohingya issue is not new but no country wants them.

“It’s a big challenge for the country’s leadership. I am confident the foreign ministry is able to address the issue,” he said when debating the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (Amendment) Bill 2015 in the Dewan Rakyat here today.

Shamsul Anuar was confident that Asean countries would be able to resolve the Rohingya issue via continuous dialogue and negotiation.

Meanwhile, Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali (BN-Bagan Serai) said the government should be more proactive and act fast to help Rohingya refugees who were in dire need of immediate aid from neighbouring countries.

“The Rohingya issue is an emergency. They are already at sea and need help; otherwise, they may die. We can feed the hungry cats, what more humans. We count on the PM’s (Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak) wisdom.”

He said the government should coordinate with other countries to resolve the Rohingya issue before it became a security and health issue.

Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PKR-Permatang Pauh) said the government should discuss with Asean countries and the United Nations (UN) to resolve the Rohingya issue to avoid a human disaster.

“We hope the United Nations will provide resources to help Malaysia as an interim measure on a humanitarian basis, as the Rohingya refugees have the right to live and not be subjected to cruelty.”

She added the humanitarian aid provided by the government had given moral support to the Rohingya refugees who were still stranded in international waters.

The Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (Amendment) Bill 2015 will enable the victims to move freely, including being employed during the ‘protection period’.

The amendment also aims to allow non-governmental organisations to be appointed as protection officers to victims and the establishment of shelter homes.

The Dewan Rakyat resumes tomorrow. — Bernama