Norway Lauds Malaysia's Handling Of Rohingya Issue

By Bernama

June 17, 2015

BUDAPEST -- Norway has praised Malaysia and Indonesia over their handling of the Rohingya refugee problem which is now a hot issue among ASEAN countries.

Malaysia's Dewan Negara deputy president Datuk Doris Sophia Brodi said Norway had also promised to use its influence to convince the United Nations (UN) and Myanmar to seek a solution to the problem.

Norway Foreign Deputy Minister Morten Hoglund gave the praise and assurance when receiving a visit by a delegation of five senators headed by Doris Sophia at his office in Oslo recently.

"We thank the Government of Norway for its concern and cooperation offered, and stress that since the Rohingya refugees is a global problem, it should be tackled likewise.

"The long Malaysian border results in the country being inundated by almost three million illegals. As such, Malaysia cannot solve the problem alone but needs the help of international communities, like Norway," she said in a statement here today.

The delegation, which is on a working visit to Norway and Hungary to boost bilateral cooperation between the two nations, comprised senators Datuk Boon Som Inong, Datuk Khairuddin E. S. Abd Samad, Datuk Ng Chiang Chin and Datuk Dr Lucas Umbul.

It visited Norway for three days, beginning June 10, and is now in Hungary for a four-day working visit from last Sunday.

Meanwhile, Doris Sophia said Hungary was prepared to offer scholarships to Malaysian students who furthered their studies there.

She said the offer was extended when the entourage made a courtesy call on Hungary National Assembly Hall Speaker, Laszlo Kover.

However, she added that currently, no university in Hungary had received accreditation from the Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA).

"In this regard, Hungary urges the Malaysian Education Ministry and MQA to look into the matter."