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Malaysian PM calls for end to crimes against Rohingya minority

Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting
Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 19 (KUNA) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak called Thursday on Myanmar government to immediately stop all forms of military violence against the minority Rohingya Muslims and to ensure a smooth and friendly ties with all Islamic countries.
"As a true and long standing friend to Myanmar, I say this from the bottom of my heart, it is time to end this crisis (in Rakhine state)," Razak told the special extraordinary opening session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting on Rohingya.
Touching on how to resolve the plight, the Prime Minister called on the Myanmar government to end the killings, violation of women and girls, the persecution and the denial of basic rights.
"I say to our friends in Myanmar, prove yourselves worthy of your great traditions and history again. Be equal to the words your father of independence, General Aung San, delivered in 1946," Razak added.
The one-day meeting is being held in Kuala Lumpur with the attendance of foreign ministers of all 57 member countries.
Malaysia will contribute to assist in humanitarian efforts and social rehabilitation projects in Rakhine State, Razak added.
The Malaysian Prime Minister said the fund would be used to build infrastructure, such as educational, and medical institutions that would contribute to development there and improve the quality of life of its people.
"I encourage and welcome any pledge of assistance from other member states," Razak noted the assistance in Myanmar was not limited to Muslims but for all who needed it in the affected areas.
He pointed out that in recent years, Malaysia had been on the frontline as the country had been hosting around 56,000 displaced Rohingya men, women, and children who had to flee from Rakhine State.
He said Malaysia was willing to shoulder the financial and social responsibility of providing shelter and basic necessities to these Rohingyas.
"It is the morally right thing to do. However, the fact that they have been forced to flee is a tragic indictment of the situation they faced at home," he said and alluded Malaysia's fear for Rohingyas' vulnerability to become human trafficking victims, as well as infiltration of militant elements among them.
The premier also called on the OIC member states to recognize that it was their collective responsibility to assist "our brothers and sisters in Rakhine State" in the name and spirit of Islamic solidarity.
He pointed out that it was incumbent upon OIC members to do all they could to save Rohingyas from the humanitarian tragedy they suffered, hence to help provide them with a future that is safe, sustainable, and characterized by the dignity that should be the birth right of every human being. (end) aab.mb