Need For ASEAN Emergency Meeting On Rohingyas - Syed Hamid

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) -- Malaysia should call for an emergency meeting with ASEAN members to discuss the Rohingya issue following the entry of illegal immigrants from Myanmar and Bangladesh in Langkawi recently. In calling for the meeting, Syed Hamid Albar, who is the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) special representative on Rohingyas, said there was no better way to resolve the problem than by engaging all the parties involved. "The problem must be discussed in ASEAN, especially among the countries involved, namely Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Myanmar," he told reporters after launching the International Bus, Truck and Components Expo here Thursday. The former foreign minister said the issue of the Rohingyas could not be taken lightly. Asked whether discussions on this matter should also be held during the ASEAN Summit in November, Syed Hamid said the talks should take place as soon as possible. In addition, he urged Malaysia, which is currently a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council to raise the Rohingya issue at the council. Over 1,000 migrants comprising Rohingyas from Myanmar, as well as Bangladeshis were reported to have landed in Langkawi early Monday. -- BERNAMA