Known for being passionate over the Rohingya plight, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today led an impromptu donation drive for the persecuted Myanmar minority.
Speaking at the Merdeka Rides 2017 closing ceremony in Putrajaya, as he wound up, Zahid took off his cap and urged those present - mostly of members from the Superbikers Association of Malaysia – to make a donation.
"Let us stand up to give our support for the Rohingya. Let's take off our caps and give as much donations as possible.
"I'm taking off my cap to donate, not to show off," said Zahid.
In just eight minutes, the donation drive managed to collect close to RM4,000.
Earlier in his speech, Zahid said Malaysian bikers can go on their expeditions freely as the country is peaceful.
"But let's remember what's happening in Myanmar. The Rohingya are forced out from their land, they are torched alive, beheaded in such a cruel manner.
"We want the bikers to stand up to give their support to the Malaysian government which is supporting the Rohingya," he said.
Zahid also expressed his wish to go to Rakhine once the Rohingya are given recognition by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations.
"Insya Allah I will be with all of you in Myanmar to show our concern," he said.
Schooling UN on human rights
Zahid in his speech also urged former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan and other international organisations to show their concern.
"Don't think about their religion. What's important is human rights, help the persecuted Rohingya.
"We want Myanmar's leaders, Asean and world leaders to show their concern. They (the Rohingya) are not animals, they are human beings whom we should show our concern."
Zahid said he knows the Rohingya were being denied their rights allegedly due to their religion and statelessness.
"But they are humans. (Myanmar's) main leader, who was once given international recognition, should use his or her experience as a fighter for democracy and human rights to be translated in his or her own country so that the award is not just a statue."
Although he did not mention names, he was clearly referring to Myanmar's leader and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been criticised for her lack of action in the issue.
The mounting conflict in the Rakhine has escalated, with increasing violence reportedly committed by the Myanmar military regime against the Rohingya.
Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have fled the persecution, with most having escaped to neighbouring Bangladesh.
Fast-track for bikers group promised
On another matter, Zahid, who is also Superbikers Association of Malaysia's executive chairperson, suggested during his speech earlier that an umbrella association comprising all bikers be formed.
"We ask that all presidents and chairpersons of all motoring associations combine into one association.
"As home minister, I will approve the application with the Registrar of Societies (ROS) in one month's time."
Instructing Umno executive secretary Ab Rauf Jusoh to be the association's first protem president, Zahid said he wants to see a gathering of 60,000 bikers after 90 days of the formation of the association.
"Money is not a problem. I know when Rauf becomes president, he will look for the money himself," he joked. - Mkini
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