MALAYSIA will always be firm and vocal on issues involving oppression of the Rohingya community in Myanmar and consistent in helping the refugees from being denied their rights, said Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah.

He said one of the three things that the government will continue to do is uphold the rule of law and bring those involved in violating human rights to court and be judged according to international law.

The other two issues are championing of Myanmar citizenship for the Rohingyas and bring home those who had fled to Bangladesh.

“Malaysia plays a major role especially in Cox’s Bazar Hospital, Bangladesh.

“We have done everything but this issue is still not over. It is prolonged and the number (of Rohingyas) who will flee the country will rise and more will be killed.”

When asked on Malaysia’s willingness to bring the issue to the International Criminal Court (ICC), he said Malaysia has yet to reach that level because it will take a long time.

“We are still considering to resolve the issue via the ICC, but I wish to clarify that we are still at the discussion stage.

“We are in no hurry, but we cannot take too long because it has gone on for a long time.”

He said that too many resolutions and proposals have been made, but the issue has yet to be resolved.

 “Is the ICC the next option or there are other alternative steps that can be taken to resolve this issue?

“There are ways where we can do things, you don’t have to be radical, you don’t have to be very forceful, but sometimes what is needed is to be tactful but ensuring that you reap the best benefit of it.” – Bernama, March 26, 2019