I SYMPATHISE with the Rohingya’s plight in Malaysia. They are a persecuted community and as Muslims and human beings, we must protect them.
However, refugees are illegals. They entered our country illegally, no matter what the reasons may be.
This reminds me of the days when Vietnamese refugees entered our country illegally. Although their plight was not religious, the reasons were the same.
But, unlike the Vietnamese, the Rohingya have it better. The Vietnamese were allowed to only land and occupy Pulau Bidong until they were allowed to leave and repatriated to third countries, mostly the United States.
Things have started moving for the Rohingya and soon, some 300 of them will be given training in preparation for their repatriation to a third country.
This is good, but my question now is: which third country has shown an interest in accepting them?
I have not heard of any country willing to accept them. So it looks as though they will be staying here longer than anticipated.
I know they are a persecuted lot but we cannot afford to keep them here indefinitely. People may think I am heartless, but we should place Malaysians first.
The Rohingya are draining our resources and we are too generous. There is even a flotilla sailing for Myanmar loaded with aid.
Why should Malaysia and Indonesia be the only countries that have to worry about the Rohingya? What is Asean doing?
The United Nations has come out with a report saying Myanmar “may have” committed a crime. May have committed?
They have committed crimes against humanity and should be taken to the International Court of Justice in the Netherlands.
MOHD GHAZALI OSMAN
Ipoh, Perak