KUALA LUMPUR: Rohingya refugees must abide by the laws and local regulations in the country or face action, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said while Malaysia adopts a humanitarian approach towards them, they must obey the rules in return.
“My advice to Myanmar nationals, particularly the Rohingya community, is to follow the rules.
“Their use of buildings and businesses must comply with the local regulations.
“If they don’t comply, we will have to take action,” Anwar said after performing Friday prayers at the Masjid Al-Hidayah in Sentul yesterday.
The Prime Minister said he would discuss the matter with state governments as using building premises and operating businesses involved local councils.
“State governments too must be firm on this.
“I hope that the rakyat, especially the Muslim community, will uphold humanitarian values and don’t break any laws in dealing with the situation,” he added.
Anwar was asked to comment on some calls for the Rohingya community to be deported.
According to reports, a petition was shared widely on social media, calling for the community to be “removed” from the country.
In describing it as a humanitarian issue, Anwar said they faced some challenges with Myanmar.
“In my two rounds of discussions with the Myanmar leadership, I brought up two things.
“The first is that the aid we provide must be guaranteed to benefit all.
“Secondly, I asked to stop the oppression and mistreatment against Muslim and non-Muslim Myanmar nationals in Rakhine and other parts of Myanmar,” Anwar said, adding that the situation has improved based on observations.
For now, he said the problem lies in finding a third country to repatriate the refugees – efforts which have yet to produce results.
On the coming Johor and Negri Sembilan polls, Anwar said he hoped the Election Commission would ensure the process runs smoothly.
