Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today flagged off a humanitarian aid mission for the Rohingya in Myanmar, saying the minority community had suffered enough hardship.
"We will not remain silent and be satisfied with resolutions and rhetoric. What I want to say is that the Rohingya have suffered enough ... enough is enough.
"We are following up with humanitarian aid," he said when flagging off the 'Food Flotilla for Myanmar' taking 2,200 tonnes of food and medicines aboard the vessel 'Nautical Aliya' at the Boustead Cruise Centre here this evening.
Najib said the food flotilla was proof that Malaysians did not ignore the plight of the Rohingya.
Efforts to care for the ethnic suffering began at the last UMNO General Assembly, he said, adding that it led to the Solidarity Gathering for the Rohingya in December.
"Then came the Extraordinary Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. I did not think of the cost, I wanted the OIC meeting to be held in Kuala Lumpur," he said.
PAS deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man was also present at the flag-off.
The 'Food Flotilla for Myanmar', led by Putera 1Malaysia Club (KP1M) chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim, is organised by KP1M and the Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organisations (MAPIM) with the cooperation of the Turkiye Diyanet Vakfi (TDV) Foundation of Turkey.
Najib said he was most touched by the preparation of the mission that would be taking along 2,200 tonnes of food and medicines.
"I was apprehensive at first whether we could get ready such a mission. I went aboard the vessel and saw for myself the 2,200 tonnes of food and medicines - it is indeed a record. These are what we will hand over to the Rohingya.
"I am also touched by the willingness of more than 200 volunteers from 13 countries to join the mission. A doctor was prepared to pay RM200 to go along as a volunteer ... a reflection of the concern of Malaysians," he said.
The Prime Minister said the 'Food Flotilla for Myanmar' also reflected the solidarity of the 'ummah' in Malaysia as representatives from UMNO and PAS were also in the mission.
Earlier, at the Al-Qayyum Mosque in Bandar Armada Putra here, Najib joined the special prayers for the safety and protection of the flotilla and an end to the hardship of the Rohingya.
The special prayers were held after the Friday prayers. Both the prayers were led by Tuan Ibrahim of PAS. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom delivered the Friday sermon.
Others who attended these prayers included Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister and Selangor Barisan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Noh Omar, Abdul Azeez and several Selangor BN state assemblymen.
At the flag-off, Najib said the flotilla was a shining example that when people of a faith came together on the principle of extending assistance in the humanitarian spirit, there was nothing that could not be accomplished.
"Hopefully, this spirit will bring a better future for Muslims and Malaysia," he said.
At a press conference later, Najib said the mission would not strain relations between Malaysia and Myanmar because it pertained to a question of humanity and was not about politics.
"This is our contribution and hope as a government concerned over human rights, this is the best way possible," he said.
Asked about the temporary ban on the citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States, Najib said the prohibition did not affect Malaysia.
US President Donald Trump had signed an executive order imposing the ban on citizens of Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Yaman, Sudan and Somalia.
Among those present at the flag-off were Hishammuddin, Jamil Khir, Noh Omar, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim and Second Finance Minister Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani. -- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Feb 03 2017
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today flagged off a humanitarian aid mission for the Rohingya in Myanmar, saying the minority community had suffered enough hardship. -Astro AWANI
Indoor Hockey: Malaysia crash out World Cup group stage without a single point
Malaysia, in their World Cup debut, conceded in the 10th minute as Seyedmohammad Ghoreishiroudbaraki scored from a penalty corner.
What to know about Trump's Gaza Strip proposal
Trump says he wants to demolish the remaining structures in Gaza and transform the territory under US.
Judge blocks Trump's birthright citizenship order nationwide
Today, virtually every baby born on US soil is a US citizen upon birth, says the US District Judge.
Helicopter accident in Pahang kills one, leaves pilot unhurt
The fire, which completely destroyed the helicopter, occurred shortly after it was unable to control its descent during landing.
Nissan set to step back from merger with Honda, sources say
Talks between the Japanese automakers face complications due to growing differences, sources say.
Trump aides defend Gaza takeover proposal but walk back some elements
Trump's top aides staunchly defends his push to transfer Palestinians out of Gaza and have the US take over the war-ruined enclave.
United Nations chief warns Trump against ethnic cleansing in Gaza
The United Nations has long endorsed a vision of two states living side by side within secure and recognised borders.
Malaysia rejects forced resettlement of Palestinians, reaffirms support for two-state solution
Wisma Putra rejects any attempt to undermine Palestinian self-determination, calling it unacceptable and a move that prolongs the conflict.
ANALYSIS - Trump's Gaza stunner builds on his expansionist aims
US President Donald Trump says he envisioned building a resort where international communities could live in harmony.
Musk creates new power base in Washington with takeover of US agencies
Elon Musk deploys teams of current and former employees of his companies as his agents.
Why Trump's proposal on Gaza is ringing alarm bells in the region
Trump's plans are likely to heighten fears among Palestinians in Gaza of being driven out of the coastal strip.
ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship: Programmes to benefit all levels of society - Foreign Ministry
Among the planned initiatives are a campaign to promote locally made products and ASEAN Plus Three Forum aimed at empowering rural women.
US military plane deporting Indian immigrants lands in India
The Trump administration has increasingly turned to the military to help carry out its immigration agenda.
Trump's Gaza plan for 'Riviera of the Middle East' triggers international condemnation
Countries from Russia, China, Spain, Ireland and the UK say they continue to support the two-state solution.
US Postal Service suspends inbound parcels from China, Hong Kong
Trump's crackdown on de minimis would make the products sold by the likes of Shein and Temu more expensive.
US plan to take over Gaza: Malaysia's stance on Palestine unchanged - PM
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says Malaysia's stance remains the same as that of other Islamic countries.
US freezes funding for security mission tackling Haiti's gangs
More than $13 million in US funding for an international security force helping fight armed gangs in Haiti has been frozen, the UN says.
Over 40,000 civil servants at high risk of mental health issues - Zaliha
A total of 44,901 civil servants were screened under Public Service Psychological Health Digital Profiling System, says Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
India's Modi takes 'holy dips' at Maha Kumbh, week after stampede killed dozens
Security personnel stood in the water nearby while thousands of people crowded the banks to watch the prime minister perform the rituals.
Philippine Congress endorses impeachment complaint against vice president
Vice President Sara Duterte would be the Philippines' second most senior official to face removal from office.