OIC Members Need To Help Bangladesh To Solve Rohingya Issue With Myanmar

GOMBAK (Selangor, Malaysia) March 14 (Bernama) -- All members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) need to help Bangladesh to use its position as the closest neighbour of Myanmar to solve the Rohingya crisis, says Syed Hamid Albar. The former OIC special envoy to Myanmar said the move was necessary following Myanmar's decision to establish contact with Islamic countries individually. "I think there is a need to join efforts to help Bangladesh. The country has certain strengths because it is a border country and also a big country. "Myanmar has always been afraid of the Bangladesh's population. It fears that the Bangladesh's population of over a hundred million will overflow and flood the border, hence causing problem to Myanmar." Syed Hamid told reporters this after attending the Roundtable Discussion on Rohingya Crisis: Current Initiative of OIC and the Role of Muslim World at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) here Monday. The roundtable discussion was organised with the aim to discuss, analyse, and give focus on the decision made at the OIC Summit and the roles of Muslims worldwide in solving the Rohingya crisis. "That is why I think Malaysia, Turkey and Middle Eastern countries, which do not have direct relationship with Myanmar but have the financial capability, to unite because if not, Myanmar will break OIC without anyone realising it," Syed Hamid said. Meanwhile, Syed Hamid, who is also former Foreign Minister, also called on Myanmar to be more open to accept humanitarian aid from any countries or non-governmental organisations. "We just ask for one thing from Myanmar, to allow entrance for humanitarian aid...so that we can help not only the Muslims, but also the others who were affected by the crisis...so that the problem of refugees will be solved," he said. Last month, Malaysia sent its Food Flotilla to Myanmar lead by 1Malaysia Putra Club and participated by 30 local and foreign NGOs. -- BERNAMA