TISG gets threat of violence for reporting Suu Kyi’s nonchalant attitude about crimes against Rohingyas

An article published by us titled, ‘Aung San Suu Kyi laughs out loud at Rohingya genocide allegations while in Singapore‘, has drawn the attention of many from the Myanmarese community. While some commenters had claimed that the video which is the source of the article is misleading, at least one had threatened us with violence publicly. (Courtesy of theindependent.sg)

Joint Statement on Humanitarian Access to northern part of Rakhine State

As friends of Myanmar, we are deeply concerned by the humanitarian situation in northern part of Rakhine State.  We have welcomed the Government’s agreement to allow a resumption of humanitarian assistance and initial deliveries to some villages, but we are concerned by delays and urge all Myanmar authorities to overcome the obstacles that have so far prevented a full resumption, noting that tens of thousands of people who need humanitarian aid, including children with acute malnutrition, have been without it now for nearly two months.

This assistance is desperately needed to address serious humanitarian needs but also to begin to restore the confidence and hope‎ that are essential to a restoration of peace and stability.  Full and unfettered access is essential for humanitarian agencies to conduct a comprehensive assessment of current humanitarian needs in support of the Government’s humanitarian response.  The re-establishment of access to markets and livelihoods is also very important. (Courtesy of mm.usembassy.gov)

Suu Kyi attacks global media for 'false news' on conflict

The head of Myanmar's government, Aung San Suu Kyi, yesterday criticised foreign media outlets for reporting false news on an ongoing conflict involving the army in the country's troubled Rakhine state.

In a statement that was published on her Facebook page, the Nobel peace laureate calls out CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera and Singaporean broadcaster Channel News Asia.

In an exclusive interview with Channel News Asia that was published the same day, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi complained that the international community is "always drumming up calls for bigger fires of resentment". (Courtesy of malaysiakini.com)

Suu Kyi is not ignoring Rohingya's plight

Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak had strong words for Aung San Suu Kyi as he led a rally in Kuala Lumpur to show solidarity with the Muslim Rohingya in Rakhine State, also known as Arakan State.

His comment to the baying crowds of "enough is enough" aimed at the State Counsellor has risked a diplomatic fissure with neighbouring Myanmar. Before Mr Najib joined the rally, a terse exchange of words between the two governments ended with a Union government spokesperson reminding Malaysia not to interfere in Myanmar's internal affairs.

Mr Najib responded to this request at the rally, asking "do they [Myanmar government] want me to close my eyes? Want me to be mute?" (Courtesy of bangkokpost.com)

US, UN begin Rohingya resettlement process

The United Nations body and the United States representatives in Indonesia have interviewed Rohingya people who had been harbored in Aceh, fleeing persecution in their home country, as the beginning of a resettlement process to the US.

Thousands of Rohingya Muslims have escaped Myanmar following longtime state-sponsored persecution in the hope of reaching Australia, but many were stranded in Aceh and Medan, as well as Malaysia and Thailand, as their boats crashed before reaching their desired destination.

The biggest flow of refugees occurred two years ago when hundreds washed ashore on the coast of Aceh. (Courtesy of thejakartapost.com)

IS could exploit Rohingya issue, says Armed Forces chief

The Rohingya issue in Myanmar could be exploited by the Islamic State (IS) to widen its influence in Southeast Asia, Malaysian Armed Forces chief General Zulkifeli Mohd Zin told top Myanmar military leaders, The Star reported.

In calling for the situation to be handled amicably, the armed forces chief said Malaysia took a serious view of the situation.

The Star reported that Gen Zulkifeli also stressed that cooperation between Asean countries was pertinent to handle the threat.

The meeting earlier this week was part of Gen Zulkifeli’s itinerary with his Asean counterparts before he retires. (Courtesy of freemalaysiatoday.com)

The Dark Depths of Myanmar's Rohingya Tragedy

Roughly a year ago, remarkable scenes were broadcast around the world from the streets of Yangon as citizens gathered to participate in, and celebrate, Myanmar’s general election.

The intense atmosphere of hope that accompanied the poll, the first openly contested one if its kind for decades, was an inspiration to behold; at the time, unfamiliar observers could be forgiven for thinking that the country was on the verge of making a clean break with its troubled past.

Twelve months on and harder political realities have come to the fore. It has taken the sternest test yet of the new government to show how far Aung San Suu Kyi, the state counselor and de facto civilian leader, will go to express solidarity with the armed forces, an autonomous state-within-a-state, which retains the constitutional right to run key ministries and set its own budgets. (Courtesy of thediplomat.com)