Malaysia urges OIC to act on "humanitarian crisis" in Myanmar's Rohingya community

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on Thursday urged countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to act on the "humanitarian crisis being faced by the Rohingya community in Myanmar."

Najib made the remarks while hosting foreign ministers from the member states of the OIC in Kuala Lumpur for an extraordinary session on the Rohingya issue, saying OIC members cannot keep silent as "far too many people have lost their lives" in Myanmar's Rakhine state.

He also warned that if the situation of the Rohingya Muslim minority is not properly addressed, militant elements could infiltrate and possibly radicalize the community.

Malaysia has been a critic of the Myanmar government over the alleged killing of Rohingya people by military forces in Myanmar. But the Myanmar government denies such accusations, with some accusing the Malaysian government of interfering in others' internal affairs.

Before the OIC meeting on Thursday, the Malaysian government also organized a meeting attended by the foreign ministers of ASEAN countries.

Myanmar's State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi has ordered an investigation of the alleged killings, but Najib thought "more can and needs to be done."

"We call on the government of Myanmar to facilitate the safe and dignified return of refugees to their homes and communities," he said.

Najib also promised a donation of 10 million ringgit (2.25 million U.S. dollars) to assist in humanitarian efforts and social rehabilitation projects in Rakhine State, specifically toward a fund to build infrastructure such as educational and medical institutions.

Founded in 1969, the OIC consists of 57 members states, including Saudia Arabia, Egypt, Iran and Indonesia. In a previous statement, the OIC called on Myanmar to restore the citizenship of the Rohingya which had been revoked under the 1982 citizenship law. Endit