KUALA LUMPUR: The coalition of Malaysian Islamic non-governmental organisations (NGOs) has urged Asean countries to suspend Myanmar’s membership in the regional pact until the Rohingya crisis is resolved.
Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (Yadim) head Dr Yusri Mohamad stressed that Asean countries should collectively condemn Myanmar's state-sanctioned ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya community.
"We also urge those who are victimising the Rohingya Muslims to be charged at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
"The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), through the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC), should hold a special hearing to address the crisis, as well as to channel humanitarian aid immediately," he said when reading out Yadim’s declaration, before handing it to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Earlier today, tens of thousands of Malaysians and Rohingya community members seeking asylum in the country gathered at Titiwangsa Stadium, in conjunction with today's "Himpunan Solidariti Ummah untuk Rohingya".
Also present were Pas President Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom, among others.
Yusri added that Myanmar should open its borders to international humanitarian agencies in order for them to channel aid as well as to provide protection for the Rohingya.
He said the Rohingya should be recognised as citizens by the Myanmar government, adding that the community should get equal rights politically, economically and socially.
"We urge the Malaysian government to bring an emergency motion to debate the genocide of the Rohingya at the United Nations (UN).
"The Malaysian government should also use its position as a member of the UN Security Council to call on the international community to resolve the conflict.
"This is to ensure that others, such as the Islamic State (IS), do not take advantage of the situation," he added.