Govt firm in blocking entry of Rohingya refugees

The government is firm in its stand to stop the entry of Rohingya refugees into the country, said Senior Minister (Security Cluster), Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He said, the government is maintaining its stand that the best solution is to send them back and Foreign Ministry has been told to discuss ways to realise the matter.

“We also told the Foreign Ministry to discuss with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as many countries in the world which talked about humanitarianism are not accepting them.

“If they are really fighting for humanitarianism, I am challenging them, to take the Rohingyas in Malaysia as they have questioned and criticised us,” he told reporters after attending a people’s gathering at Felda Chini 3 here today.

Ismail Sabri also did not rule out the possibility of the good treatment by Malaysia earlier had resulted in the country being the choice of Rohingya refugees.

He said the problem with the estimated 200,000 Rohingya refugees in the country would be resolved if developed countries which have been vocal in criticising Malaysia would help take in some of the refugees into their respective countries.

“We have treated them well from the humanitarian aspect, in fact we are among the best in the world. If there are disasters in other countries, we are quick to extend contributions and assistance.

“Nonetheless, do not take advantage of our good intention as the whole world has pushed the Rohingya issue to Malaysia to solve,” he said.

Apart from that, Ismail who is Defence Minister also gave the government’s assurance to continue tightening the country’s border including illegal crossings such as rat trails to ensure Malaysia is no longer the focus of foreigners. - BERNAMA