KUCHING: Muara Tuang state assemblyman Datuk Idris Buang said he accepted the decision by the state government to not accept Rohingya refugees, reported Bernama yesterday.
“I accept the decision especially that of the Chief Minister and his cabinet members,” said Idris who had earlier suggested that Rohingya refugees be given temporary shelter in Sarawak with tight security.
However, his suggestion was strongly objected to by certain parties. Shortly after, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg was reported as saying Sarawak would not accommodate them, debunking recent rumours on social media saying Rohingya refugees would be sent to Bau and Serian districts.
On Sept 13, Human Resources Minister Dato Sri Richard Riot Jaem released a statement saying Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had given his assurance in a federal cabinet meeting that Rohingya refugees would not be sent to the state.
However, Idris emphasised that he still stood by his personal stance and view on the matter, adding that it came from the bottom of his heart and out of his belief in humanitarian and human rights values, law and justice.
“Furthermore, it is made out my love for fellow human beings and fellow Muslims in despair and in dire need of their right to survive as human beings,” he said adding that he was satisfied for voicing out what he had in mind.
He added that he would not budge from his stance even if his life was endangered as he had received threats over the matter.
He also said his family and some of his friends have been helping the displaced Rohingya through online donations.
