Malaysia Reminds Rohingya Refugees to Abide by Local Laws

Kuala Lumpur (ANTARA) - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reminded Rohingya refugees in Malaysia to always comply with local laws and regulations, warning that failure to do so will result in firm action. While Malaysia adopts a humanitarian approach, Anwar said the refugees must submit to the country’s legal system, including aspects concerning the use of buildings and business operations. “Advice to the Myanmar community, especially the Rohingya, they must also comply with the regulations in our country. Their buildings, their businesses, must follow the rules; and if they do not, we will take action,” Anwar said as reported by BERNAMA in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. The issue of law enforcement regarding Rohingya refugees was discussed in a Cabinet meeting between Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to ensure that legal action will be taken consistently. He also reminded municipal and state governments to play a firmer role in monitoring any violations or misuse of premises involving the group. “People can talk about sending them back, but send them back to where? Because we have a problem with the Myanmar government which prevents it,” he said. The Malaysian government has negotiated twice with the current Myanmar leadership and requested two conditions. “So, in my two negotiations with the Myanmar leader, I asked for two things. First, that the aid we provide is guaranteed to benefit all, this has been agreed. Second, stop the oppression and crimes against the people of Myanmar, Muslims and non-Muslims, in Rakhine and also in Myanmar as a whole,” he said. He also reminded Malaysians to uphold humanitarian values and to leave it entirely to the authorities to handle any issues that may involve the Rohingya community.