KUALA TERENGGANU: Muslims must step forward and help the displaced and oppressed Rohingya, to prevent them from turning to extremism.
Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman, in voicing the wake-up call, urged Muslims worldwide to help their fellow brothers and sisters who were facing "extinction".
“If we ourselves do not support them (Rohingya), how are the rest of the world going to be aware of the seriousness of the problem and show compassion towards them.
“The danger is that if these oppressed and suppressed Rohinya are not accorded proper humanitarian aid, they may resort to terrorism, piracy, kidnapping and murder, like what is happening in some places,” said Razif.
He warned that if the situation was left unchecked, the fleeing Rohinga would become desperate and turn to militancy (like IS, Al-Qaeda, etc).
“That is why we have to safeguard their interest to prevent negative implications from taking place, which can have far-reaching effects that can threaten global peace, harmony and stability.
“We do not want Southeast Asia or South Asia to turn into a dangerous place to work and live in.
“The world must wake up and find a solution to the conflict affecting this community, and not turn a blind eye.
"They are, after all a fellow human race who deserve to be treated humanely,” he told NST at the state-level Maal Hijrah celebrations at the State Stadium in Batu Burok.
Razif added that solving the Rohingya crisis would result in a better, peaceful and harmonious world.
“We must strive to avoid tension and wars. We must value and appreciate peace and harmony among all races, across all continents, irrespective of skin colour, creed and ethnicity,” he said.
Meanwhile, Terengganu ruler Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin echoed Razif’s call for the Muslim world to unite and help their down-trodden kin.
“On this auspicious day, I hope for continued unity among Muslims in Malaysia and the world, for peace and harmony.
“It is the responsibility of Muslims to care for their fellow Muslims and ensure their well-being.
“Look towards Allah for guidance, and let us pray for world peace,” said majesty, whose speech was read by his brother, Tengku Sri Temenggong Raja Tengku Baharuddin Sultan Mahmud.
Tengku Baharuddin later presented Jaafar Hassan, 81, from Kuala Ibai here, the state’s Tokoh Maal Hijrah award that went with a RM10,000 cash prize and trophy.