Malaysia's image depends on how goverment tackles boatpeople crisis - Jeyakumar

Malaysia's image depends entirely on how the government handles the challenges regarding the thousands of Myanmar's ethnic, Rohingya minority who are now stranded in small vessels in Andaman Sea.

Sungai Siput MP, Dr Jeyakumar Devaraj said if our country handles this issue with an inhumane act, it will directly affect the country's image in the eyes of international communities.

"It is the education of all religions of this country that we need to reach out to especially those who are in trouble and abused. The refugees are the most persecuted group and may face death if their problems are not handled properly.

"Arrival of thousands of immigrants from Myanmar can lead to infectious diseases among Malaysians. This is thus burdening the health system," he told reporters at the Parliament lobby, here Tuesday.

Jeyakumar was commenting on the boat people crisis, who are now stranded in small vessels carrying 2,000 migrants controlled by human-traffickers near the Myanmar-Bangladesh coasts for more than 40 days.

What seemed to be 'rejection' of the ASEAN countries to accept the migrants are affecting the safety and the lives of families who are now sailing to Sumatra.

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The government, said Jeyakumar should approach the issue based on humanity -- the safety and health of immigrants should be given utmost priority.

"The police stopped them from landing in this country is an irresponsible approach and this would tarnish the image of the country in the eyes of international countries.

"Malaysia should organise a discussion with other ASEAN countries so that the burden of addressing the Myanmar humanitarian crisis can be shared in a responsible manner and consistent with the spirit of ASEAN solidarity.

"The issue of Rohingya discrimination cannot be considered as a domestic issue that cannot be touched by neighbouring countries because this issue has been circulating on a larger scale. ASEAN should discuss with Myanmar to address the issue of violence against the Rohingya," he said.

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He added that the authorities should also use this opportunity to probe into human trafficking.

Last week, United Nations Secretary Ban Ki-moon and the US State Department called for action to help the boatpeople.

The Bangladeshis are believed to be mainly economic migrants.

But many Rohingya are fleeing their homes in western Myanmar after years of violence and discrimination at the hands of the Buddhist majority. Most head for Muslim-majority Malaysia.