Rohingya issue: ASEAN must continue to pressure, extend aid - Syed Hamid

ASEAN should continue to put pressure on Myanmar to ensure that humanitarian aid can be channeled to the Rohingya Muslims, said Former Special Envoy of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for Myanmar, Tan Sri Dr Syed Hamid Syed Albar.

He said despite efforts undertaken by various parties including Malaysia to help the ethnic minority, there were still many restrictions due to the country's policies.

"ASEAN countries particularly, do not stop your efforts so that Myanmar will at the very least stop its military activities (against the Rohingyas) so that aid can be channeled to the Rohingyas," he told reporters after delivering the keynote address at the 2017 Humanitarian Symposium entitled "Rohingya: Plight & Despair, Hope" here Friday.

A book entitled 'Flotilla, Wiping the Tears of the Rohingyas' was also launched at the event.

Syed Hamid said various efforts including dispatch of essential items, food and medical aid to the Rohingya Muslims areas in Myanmar were still being restricted. -- Bernama