Rohingya Issue Is Of Concern To ASEAN - Malaysia's Foreign Minister

KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 (Bernama) -- The Rohingya issue is not just Myanmar's problem, but of concern to ASEAN too, says Malaysia's Foreign Minister Anifah Aman. He noted that the matter required ASEAN's engagement for a resolution as it had now affected neighbouring countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia. "They (Myanmar) are saying that it's their internal affair. But, it has spilled over to countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. Thus, it's no longer just Myanmar's affair, but an ASEAN issue," he said. The minister told a news conference this Friday, ahead of the 26th ASEAN Summit on April 26-27 here and in Langkawi island. Anifah noted that the "ASEAN way" could well be used to settle the issue. Difficulties faced by the Rohingya community in Myanmar has led to an outflow of migrants to neighbouring countries. On Myanmar's response to concerns raised over the matter, Anifah said it had given an assurance that steps were being taken to resolve it. Stressing that ASEAN appreciated the reform efforts taken by Myanmar, he said issues pertaining to the country may take some time to address. --BERNAMA