By SitI Afiqah Amalina and Yasmin Latif
GOMBAK, 2 October 2016: An inspirational talk focusing on the survival story of hardship faced by the Rohingya refugees was held recently organised by the Aqsa Society specifically intended to increase awareness on their plight which deserved public attention.
The talk, held at the Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences, featured three prominent speakers: Mohammad Sadek, the Director of Darul Eslah Rohingya Academy, Abdul Hafidz Hashim, who is the Senior Manager Nusantara Care (NICE), and Amir Hossen Harun Ur Rashid, Vice-President of Rohingya Society Pahang Malaysia.
The first speaker Mohammad Sadek explained the origin of the Rohingyas which he claimed had established their own kingdom that existed along with the ethnic group called Arakan.
He said in the 7th century Islam was accepted by them and in the 10th century they officially practised Islamic system in their life. All through the century, the Rohingyas were governed by several number of sultans. He also mentioned that the Arkan territory was occupied by the Buddhists. Historically, due the Buddhist occupation the Rohingyas strived for their rights as they became the minority and the difficulties became real.
The second speaker Abdul Hafidz Hashim told the audience that there were about two million Rohingya community living in Myanmar where in total there were 51 million citizens. Out of 145 ethnics only a few have been recognised by the government. Since majority of people in Myanmar were Buddhists they do not hesitate to establish Myanmar as a Buddhist country. The fear of losing the identity and worrying about the increasing number of Muslims in Myanmar made them moved towards the suppression of the Rohingyas to remove Islam.
He added, œAfter the tragedy in 2012, the life of the Rohingyas was like living in prison. They were not allowed to leave and people could not come in. If they want to leave, the only way was to the sea. Thats why they tried to reach for Malaysia seeking for better life.”
The struggle of being refugees is real as told by Amir Hossen Harun Ur Rashid, who is also a Rohingya. He was born at the refugee camp which is not an ideal place for children to grow up.
Due to financial constraints he had problems to get proper education. That had made his childhood days unlike other kids. However, he did not allow such lacking to become an obstacle to success in life. Now, he said, he is able to be someone who can inspire others.
The Rohingya refugees are facing real sufferings as they go through difficulties in life. They need continuous support from the international community to have a better life, the audience was told. ***