THERE is no doubt that Malaysia continues to be the preferred country of destination for the hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas fleeing the oppressive Myanmar military regime.
Plus, it cannot be disputed that our nation can only do the best it can to support those seeking refuge in our country.
But when we cage people and, in the process, strip them of their self-respect and dignity just because they seek refuge from us, Malaysians must wonder whether we have lost our sense of humanity under the complicated circumstances.
Millions have sought asylum as a result of upheavals arising from armed conflicts, genocide or geo-political instability. In my view, at least in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) context, there is an urgent need to address the predicament of Rohingyas.
For too long, ASEAN has functioned as a toothless collective in addressing the blatant abuses of fundamental human rights perpetuated by the Myanmar regime against the helpless Rohingyas.
From being treated as persona non grata in their country and being persecuted for their ethnicity, the plight of the Rohingyas has not found a cohesive reaction from the ASEAN nations except for “window-dressing” diplomatic representation.
Don’t remain docile
In the circumstances, it is my view that ASEAN has an obligation to demand that the Myanmar regime stops its systemic persecution of the Rohingyas. ASEAN ought to also demand that, for Myanmar to reap the benefits of the ASEAN economic partnership, it must stop its inhumane treatment of the Rohingyas.
Granted that ASEAN adopts a policy of non-interference with the sovereignty of its member states, it, nevertheless, cannot stand on the sidelines and put on blinkers where fundamental human rights are outrageously trampled upon.
ASEAN has a choice – continue to remain docile to the atrocities against the Rohingyas or embark on an effective action against the Myanmar regime to liberate the Rohingyas from their predicament.
K Veeriah is a veteran union activist
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
