World must come together to help the Rohingya
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As far as media headlines go, they are "the new" boat people. But the plight of the Rohingya and Bangladeshi refugees (or illegal immigrants, depending on your definition), is nothing new.
But that does not mean that we should relegate it to yet another of those issues that the world simply cannot come together to resolve.
Make no mistake about it. It is a global issue, even if the direct repercussions are being felt here in the region.
In diplomatic parlance, the finger may be pointed at certain directions, albeit in ways not to cause offence to any Asean member.
Out in the high seas, the navies of the countries involved have to balance the need to protect territorial waters from being infringed upon and yet not to be seen as being cold and callous towards the needs of these people.
Governments want to rule with the head, while facing strong pressure from those who believe our hearts must rule the day.
It is not an easy task.
Malaysia has had plenty of experience dealing with refugees from the high seas.
The Vietnamese boat people is a case in point where our nation did its humanitarian best to temporarily offer them the necessary asylum at Pulau Bidong.
But these refugees were in transit to the West, and their journey of hope would prove to be a long one indeed for many.
Herein lies the danger of being a temporary abode, even for those who desperately need it, because those who speak out loudly for the plight of these people from a safe distance on the other side of the world may not have the influence to wield on their governments to do their part.
Be that as it may, Malaysia must face this issue equally on two fronts. As a nation, we do have our rights to enforce the laws to prevent the illegal entry of the refugees. And as a nation, we have the right to expect the whole global community to do their part. It is time for action, and not just talk.
This is a humanitarian issue. This is about the weak and the helpless fleeing from a helpless situation.
The Rohingya and the Bangladeshis must be helped, simply because we can help.
We cannot ignore their cries. They urgently need a beacon of hope in these trying times. This is something we can all agree upon.
Every response to this crisis should be rooted in this universal compassion. Our very humanity dictates that the world must come together urgently to work out a long-term solution acceptable to all.
Unfortunately, the compassion of individuals sometimes gets lost amid the hurly-burly of domestic and international politics, and the intervention comes too late and at great cost.
Let it not happen this time. We need our governments to act with wisdom and responsibility, all the while in touch with the compassion felt by the people.
It is one thing for NGOs and others to criticise the Asean countries for not taking in the boat people, and another for each of us to look in the mirror and wonder if we have done enough for these poor souls.
