KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 — Malaysia must not be burdened with the “problem” of Rohingya refugees as it is an issue which needs to be addressed collectively by all Asean countries, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today.
National news agency Bernama quoted Najib as saying that although Malaysia allowed “some” of the refugees to land here and provided aid, there are still thousands more waiting to escape Myanmar.
“We are unwilling or pleased with this matter. Because of that we allow some of them to land and provide humanitarian aid to them but Malaysia must not be burdened with this problem as there are thousands more waiting to flee from their region,” Najib had reportedly said.
Najib, who is also Asean chairman, said an Asean solution through the network of member countries must be taken to address the matter before it becomes a humanitarian catastrophe.
He said he conveyed his concerns to United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott this morning when they spoke via telephone.
“We respect the Asean principles whereby we do not interfere with the internal affairs of any Asean countries.
“However when a certain problem has spread and affect the leadership of other Asean nations and possibly outside Asean, then we need to find solutions through an Asean forum and cooperate with other parties,” Najib added.
Putrajaya had initially stated that it would turn away any seaworthy boat carrying the migrants from Malaysian waters, adding that it does not recognise their refugee status.
The federal government’s position irked Malaysians, who have since launched efforts to gather food and medical supplies to distribute to the refugees adrift at sea.
Najib said yesterday that “necessary actions” are being taken for the refugees that were of international and regional importance.
It is however unclear if these steps include allowing the boats to dock, which Putrajaya previously said it would not permit.
