KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded Rohingya refugees in the country to comply with local laws and regulations or face firm action.
He said that although Malaysia adopts a humanitarian approach, the group remains subject to the country’s legal system, including regulations governing the use of premises and the operation of businesses.
“My advice to Myanmar nationals, particularly the Rohingya, is that they must also comply with the regulations in our country. Their buildings and businesses must adhere to the rules. If they do not, we will have no choice but to take action,” he told reporters after Friday prayers at Masjid Al-Hidayah in Sentul here today.
Anwar said enforcement issues involving the Rohingya people had been discussed at a Cabinet meeting with Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to ensure legal action is taken consistently.
He also reminded local authorities and state governments to play a firmer role in tackling misconduct or misuse of premises involving the group.
Commenting on calls for Rohingya refugees to be sent back to Myanmar, Anwar said it is a complex humanitarian crisis as efforts to repatriate or resettle them in third countries have been stalled.
“People can talk about sending them back, but where do we send them? We have problems with the Myanmar government, which is obstructing the process, so in my two rounds of talks with Myanmar leaders, I raised two matters.
“First, the aid we provide must be guaranteed to benefit everyone, and this was agreed to. Second, stop the oppression and crimes against the people of Myanmar, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, in Rakhine and throughout Myanmar,” he said.
He also reminded Malaysians to uphold humanitarian values and not take matters into their own hands, and instead leave problems involving the Rohingya community to the authorities.
“I hope our people, especially members of the Muslim community… will uphold our humanitarian values and not violate rules and laws in dealing with this issue,” Anwar said.
