Rohingyas Plight & Adherence to The Langkawi Declaration on Moderation

30.11.16

PRESS STATEMENT – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Calling upon all those who shared the dream and desire to see a world free from the yoke of extremism, the Global Movement of Moderates Foundation (GMMF) sought to galvanise into action a global movement that can stem its rise and influence by promoting the ideals, norms and values of moderation. This idea has resonated strongly among the members of the global community, with many world leaders having expressed their support for the movement over the years following its introduction. The unanimous agreement to hold moderation as an ASEAN value has further strengthened and extended the relevance of GMMF internationally.

Since the concept of moderation has been accepted as ASEAN value that promotes peace, security and development, subsequently the concept of moderation echoed throughout the globe and the United Nations such as resolution of conflicts, reconciliation, mediation, conflict prevention, post conflict and peace building, peace-making and sustainable development.

The recent news reporting on the conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine State that had sent thousands of Rohingya Muslims fleeing across the border to Bangladesh and elsewhere in the world amid allegations of abuses by security forces is very alarming and in contradiction to GMMF’s efforts in promoting moderation amongst ASEAN nations as envisaged in the Langkawi Declaration signed on 27 August 2015.

The violence, the most serious bloodshed in Rakhine since hundreds were killed in communal clashes in 2012, has renewed international criticism that the Myanmar government has done too little to alleviate the plight of the Rohingya minority, who are denied citizenship and access to basic services.

GMMF, with due recognition of the region’s focus for dialogue, mutual respect and inclusiveness to bridge differences, seeks the Governments of ASEAN, particularly Myanmar in this case, to collectively utilize the role of diplomacy in seeking solutions to the issue and rebuild trust between communities.

In addition to my most recent international interventions at the World Policy Conference in Doha on November 22 highlighting the abuses faced by the Rohingyas, GMMF sends its deepest sympathies and prayers upon the Rohingya community and will pursue to further accentuate its people-to-people diplomacy endeavours in promoting the Langkawi Declaration on the issues of moderation within ASEAN and the global platforms.

Issued by:
Dato’ Dr. Nasharudin Mat Isa
Executive Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Global Movement of Moderates Foundation