Calls to cease violence grow louder outside Myanmar embassy in KL

KUALA LUMPUR: As violence against civilians continues to escalate in Myanmar, local civil society organisations, leaders and refugees have joined the chorus of condemnation against the military junta’s deadly crackdown on protests.

A group consisting of local activists and refugees were present in front of the Myanmar embassy at Jalan Ampang Hilir to protest and hand over a memorandum to the Myanmar ambassador to Malaysia.

They demanded the Myanmar embassy act on condemning the deaths of more than 500 civilians since the Feb 1 military coup and to stop the use of excessive force to disperse crowds.

Human rights group Suaram executive director Sevan Doraisamy said the memorandum was to send a clear message to the ambassador.

“You have a collective responsibility to tell the world what is happening in Myanmar, ” he said.

The memorandum was received by a security staff at the embassy.

Last week, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin expressed his government’s concerns over the latest developments in Myanmar.

Singapore and Indonesia have also supported the proposal to hold a special Asean meeting to address the pressing issue.

Parti Sosialis Malaysia secretary-general A. Sivarajan said even bystanders were being targeted by the junta in its crackdown against protesters.

“Reports say bystanders and people going to work were shot at. It seems they are creating fear among the people to stop their protests.

“Malaysia plays a crucial role as a neighbouring country. There should be a boycott against Myanmar businesses in protest over the escalating violence, ” he said.