KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded Rohingya refugees in the country to comply with laws and regulations at all times or face firm action.
He said that although Malaysia adopts a humanitarian approach to their situation, the group remains subject to the country's legal system, including regulations on the use of premises and operating businesses.
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"My advice to Myanmar nationals, particularly the Rohingya, is that they must comply with the regulations in our country.
"Their buildings and businesses must adhere to the rules. If they do not, we will have no choice but to take action," he told reporters after prayers at Masjid Al-Hidayah in Sentul here on Friday (June 12).
The Prime Minister said the issue of enforcement against Rohingya refugees was also discussed with Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to ensure that legal action is taken consistently.
He also reminded local authorities and state governments to play a more assertive role in monitoring any misconduct or misuse of premises involving the community.
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Commenting on the insistence that Rohingya refugees be sent back to their country of origin, Anwar said it was a complex humanitarian issue, given that the process of repatriation or resettlement to a third country is still at an impasse.
"People can talk about sending them back, (but) ... to where? Because we have a problem, the Myanmar government is preventing it. In my two negotiations with the Myanmar leadership, I asked for two things.
"First, the assistance we provide is guaranteed to benefit all (and) this is agreed upon.
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"Secondly, stop the oppression and crimes against the people of Myanmar, both Muslims and non-Muslims in Rakhine and also in that country as a whole," he said.
Anwar also reminded Malaysians to maintain human values and not take action on their own, but leave it to the authorities to deal with any issues involving the Rohingya.
"Maintain our humanity ... do not violate the rules and laws in dealing with this problem," he said. – Bernama
