Groups protest against persecution of Rohingya

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The Star Online 

KUALA LUMPUR: The rain did not stop them from chanting and marching together for a common cause, which is to call for an end to the persecution of the Rohingya. 

Led by Sungai Besar Umno division chief Datuk Seri Jamal Md Yunos and Umno Youth exco member Datuk Armand Azha Abu Hanifa, the group also submitted a memorandum to the Myanmar Embassy in Taman U-Thant here after Friday prayers.

Earlier, a small group of Rohingya had gathered at Persiaran Ampang Hilir near the embassy with police keeping a close watch nearby.

There were no untoward incidents as members representing the coalition of non-governmental or­­ga­­­nisations dispersed peacefully after achieving their aim.

The group started the march from Menara Tabung Haji at 3pm. 

“Today, we are calling on the Myanmar government to cease its ethnic cleansing. 

“If they cannot hear the voices of Malaysians or Rohingya, we will re­quest our Government to cease diplomatic relations with Myanmar. 

“We will also call upon Malaysia to send back all Myanmar citizens if they don’t heed our protest,” Armand said.

Jamal said he hoped yesterday’s protest would be the last. 

He voiced his disappointment with the turnout.

“Where are the yellow shirts who clamour for peace and harmony? Where is the flower party, Maha­thir’s (Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad) followers?” he asked.

Jamal also took a swipe at the DAP, claiming the party stopped other youth wings from Pakatan Harapan from participating.

Rohingya activist Ziaur Rahman thanked the Malaysian Government for giving the Rohingya a place to stay. 

“I would love to go back if the Myanmar government accepts me as a citizen of my country. I don’t want to be a refugee forever,” he said.

Another activist Noor Muham­mad claimed 13 of his family members have died over the past two weeks.

“We are urging the world to show us humanity,” he said. 

Barisan Nasional youth leaders also submitted a memorandum to the United Nations’ Kuala Lumpur headquarters.

The violence in Rakhine state erupted after insurgents launched attacks on police posts and an army base on Aug 25, prompting a massive counter-offensive by the army. 

In SHAH ALAM, a movement consisting of 104 NGOs raised over RM77,000 within one hour under the Sinar4Ro­hin­gya Solidarity for Humanity campaign led by Karangkraf, which publishes Sinar Harian.

“This is not just a Muslim issue. It involves people killing people,” said Karangkraf chairman and group CEO Datuk Hussamuddin Yaacub.

“We need to stop this cruelty. There is no political and personal agenda,” he said during the movement’s launch.

Hussamuddin said the movement would strategise ways to help the target groups. 

In GEORGE TOWN, about 300 Muslims gathered outside the Kapitan Keling Mosque after the Friday prayers to stage a protest.

Malaysian Consultative Council of Islam Organisations Penang chap­ter coordinator Shaiful Yamin Dahlan said the peaceful gathering was to show solidarity for the persecuted Rohingya.


Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/09/09/groups-protest-against-persecution-of-rohingya/#4GBQgtRvXRiDYimp.99

#Rohingya #Protest #Myanmar Embassy 

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