Perlis Mufti calls for Malaysia's withdrawal from AFF Suzuki Cup

A religious leader today called for the withdrawal of the Harimau Malaysia football team from the ongoing AFF Suzuki Cup tournament in Myanmar in view of the alleged atrocities against the Rohingya community there.

Perlis Mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, in making the call, said the team should pull out of the tournament on the principle of concern and solidarity and condemnation of the alleged cruelty against the Rohingyas.

He said all forms of cruelty or crime against humanity must be opposed, and the government must be firm in the matter as the aspect of humanity went beyond the spirit of sports.

"What's the meaning of sports without humanity? Injustice is being meted out to the Muslim ethnic group in Myanmar. Women, children and civilians are being killed, raped and burned alive," he said in a statement.

According to media reports, thousands of Rohingyas in Myanmar have fled their villages to escape the atrocities allegedly committed by the military.

Malaysia are in Group B of the AFF Suzuki Cup tournament, along with Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam. Malaysia won their first game against Cambodia 3-2 on Sunday and currently head the group.

Group A comprises Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand and the matches are being played in the Philippines, the co-host. - BERNAMA