'Najib came through for Rohingya, give credit where due'

Malaysians are quick to push forward their political agendas, and fail to give credit where it is due, said Rohingya activist Tengku Emma Zuriana.

"We know Najib is currently caught up with a lot of issues that are tarnishing his image, but let us give him the benefit of the doubt, and give credit where credit is due.

"A number of politicians have criticised him for seemingly pushing aside the Rakhine issue when he met with US President Donald Trump recently, but I would like to thank Najib for following through and highlighting the matter to Trump," she said when contacted by Malaysiakini.

Although she did not name anyone, Tengku Emma's call comes after PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli and other leaders claimed that during Najib's first meeting with Trump earlier this week, the former did not touch on the Rohingya crisis whatsoever.

However, Najib had told an audience in Washington DC that the plight of the Rohingya had in fact been raised during his meeting with Trump, which drew the latter's immediate concern.

As a result, the US and Malaysia issued a joint-statement to condemn the violence against the Rohingya in Myanmar and to urge that such atrocities be stopped immediately.

Tengku Emma also pointed out that she had come across a number of politicians who were calling out Najib in public and attacking him for no reason.

"I am particularly angry that it has become the norm for Malaysians to use other people's suffering to push forward a political agenda or hatred towards someone.

"In times of crisis, we need to sit down and listen to the credible sources of news first, before imposing our judgments, especially on an issue that has been sensationalised as (the Rakhine crisis)," she explained.

The mounting conflict in Rakhine State has escalated in recent months, with increasing violence committed by the Myanmar military regime against the Rohingya.

Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have fled persecution, with most of them escaping to Bangladesh.

Najib, Trump should be more pressing

However, Tengku Emma had hoped Najib and Trump would have proposed doing something more concrete.

"While Trump did portray that he was angered by the situation, he should have taken up a more proactive stand. He should pick up the phone and call Aung San Suu Kyi, "she said.

Tengku Emma said the de facto Myanmar leader refuses to cooperate with international leaders, and will only speak to them on bilateral issues, and not on the situation in Rakhine.

"However, by not calling her, is no good. Trump needs to call Suu Kyi," she stressed, adding, however, that Trump has not made it clear whether he would consider speaking with her in the near future or not.

Tengku Emma heads the NGO Yayasan Salam Rohingya, which she formed to take a more active approach towards solving the crisis in the Rakhine State.

She is also part of the team mulling over building a centre for the Rohingya community in the peninsula, which will provide them with healthcare and education, and prepare them to return to society. - Mkini