Myanmar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Tin had summoned Malaysian ambassador Mohd Haniff Abd Rahman yesterday, where he expressed his dismay over Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak leading a rally in support of the Rohingya plight.

U Kyaw Tin also was dismayed by Najib’s strong remarks which he claimed cited unverified and unsubstantiated allegations against the Myanmar government, which is a fellow Asean member state.

“The minister of state also categorically rejected the accusations of ‘ethnic cleansing’ and ‘genocide’ which were far from the realities on the ground.

“Such irresponsible remarks could worsen the already deepening polarisation between the two communities and incite violent extremism,” the Myanmar Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement today.

Najib had led a rally in Kuala Lumpur on Dec 4 to protest Myanmar’s persecution of the Rohingya, where he was also joined by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.

'Disinformation campaigns'

U Kyaw Tin had stressed to Mohd Haniff the importance of upholding the Asean spirit of friendship and cooperation, along with the principle of peaceful resolution of disputes between member states through negotiation and dialogue.

Malaysia should not be misled by "disinformation campaigns" waged by certain groups with ulterior motives against Myanmar, U Kyaw Tin said.

Myanmar was making effort to resolve the issues in the Rakhine state, he added, such as establishing an advisory commission led by former United Nation secretary-general Kofi Annan as well as a national level investigation commission.

He had also told the Malaysian ambassador that Myanmar wants to maintain and strengthen its friendly relations with the other Asean states.

The international community should help Myanmar maintain peace and stability for its people, instead of making calls based on mere allegations.

May trigger radicalisation

This will only cause bigger problems than provide solutions, U Kyaw Tin said.

"The ambassador was also informed that any action that could radicalise extremist movements would endanger not only Asean unity but also regional peace and stability.

"On its part, Myanmar will continue to strive to achieve harmony, peace and prosperity among all Asean member states and beyond," the ministry said.

On Sunday, Najib led a rally involving some 10,000 people at the Stadium Mini Titiwangsa to protest against the persecution of the Rohingya community.

Myanmar had previously warned Najib to not join the rally as it would be in violation of Asean's non-interference policy.