Dr M calls for hate towards Rohingya to end

Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad said sentiments toward the Rohingya refugees are akin to emotions expressed against the Vietnamese who fled communist rule after the Vietnam War.

Taking to his blog, Mahathir, who called for the hate to end against the Rohingya, said the Malays were initially sympathetic to the plight of refugees, but, over time, their numbers grew, along with animosity towards them.

"Undoubtedly, we have given refuge to too many asylum seekers. They should have gone to another country.

"Other countries need to open their doors," said the Langkawi MP.

In May 1975, the first boat with 47 refugees arrived in Malaysia from Vietnam. More than 200,000 of them had resided or passed through a refugee camp in Pulau Bidong, Terengganu, from 1978 to 1991.

The recent wave of Rohingya refugees arriving here are listed as undocumented migrants, largely doing informal work and assisted by local NGOs. Malaysia is not a signatory to the United Nations Convention relating to the status of refugees.

Mahathir further said Malaysia should condemn Myanmar and its de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi by imposing trade sanctions for oppressing the Rohingya.

"We must urge the United Nations to take action against Myanmar.

"At the same time, we must expose the atrocities committed by Myanmar (against the Rohingya) to the world," he said.

Mahathir also urged for an end to the hate against the Rohingya who have been victims of oppression. This, he said, would need a concerted effort by Muslim countries.

The authorities have been puzzled over a recent spate of hate and threats against the Rohingya in the country.

Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob had said the police are investigating various viral news reports, videos and audio clips to prevent any untoward incidences. - Mkini