Malaysia Reiterates Willingness to Extend Humanitarian Aid to Rakhine

KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 (Bernama) -- Malaysia on Wednesday reiterated its willingness to extend humanitarian aid to Rakhine, Myanmar following the turbulence there. Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said this message was conveyed to his Myanmar counterpart Wunna Maung Lwin during a phone conversation earlier on Wednesday. He said Wunna expressed Myanmar's appreciation to the government and people of Malaysia for the support and offer of humanitarian aid following the unrest in Rakhine. "According to Wunna, the situation in Rakhine is under control and hence, the need for aid from Asean member countries does not arise at the moment. "However, he said Malaysia would be contacted if the need for aid arises," he said in a statement tonight. Anifah said Malaysia always maintaned its policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. "But Malaysia believes that no country, expecially an Asean member should be left alone in difficult times without any offer of assistance. "In this regard, I am conveying the message from Prime Minister Najib Razak to Myanmar President, Thein Sein, that the offer of aid from Malaysia to Myanmar came from the feeling of responsibility and neighbourliness spirit in Asean towards the setting up of the Asean Community by 2015," he said. -- BERNAMA