Rohingyas thank PM Najib for defending them

The Rohingyas in Malaysia thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for firmly fighting to stop the atrocities and oppression against the ethnic group in Myanmar.

Rohingyas Association in Malaysia secretary Nursobi Muhamad Sultan said leaders of other countries should emulate his assertiveness in fighting for human rights.

"We (Rohingyas) are grateful that PM Najib is here today to fight for our rights.

"This shows that PM Najib is really concerned about the humanitarian values even though we are not part of this country," he told Bernama when met here today.

The Prime Minister together with more than 20,000 attendees including Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, PAS President Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman participated in the Solidarity for Rohingya gathering at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa here today.

Meanwhile, Association of Rohingya Youth in Malaysia deputy chairman Sulaimeen Muhammad Karim urged the Malaysian government to play an important role in addressing the issue.

"Malaysia as a respected nation in Southeast Asia should play the role of a 'mediator' to resolve the conflicts," he said.

He added that the Rohingya people were very grateful that the Malaysian government was willing to accept some the refugees and provide appropriate protection.

Meanwhile in KOTA KINABALU, Sabah Islamic Missionary and Welfare Organisation of Malaysia (Pekida) chairman Datu Mohd Akjan Datu Ali Muhammad said the association fully supported the government's efforts to defend ethnic Rohingyas, who were being oppressed in Myanmar. -- BERNAMA