Mecca (The Star/ANN) - Malaysia has backed the suspension of Syria's membership from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and has asked its leadership to give full support for efforts to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the deteriorating crisis in the country.
Malaysia, in particular, called on parties to adhere to the United Nations General Assembly Resolution adopted on August 3, which paved the way for the Syrian people to decide on the future of their country in a truly democratic and inclusive manner, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said.
There must also be an immediate end to the senseless killings and appalling human rights violations, especially against civilians, he said in his message to participants of the OIC Fourth Extraordinary Summit in Mecca yesterday.
"We are deeply concerned over the deteriorating humanitarian situation and the failure of the Syrian regime to ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need.
"We urge the Syrian authorities to cooperate with the United Nations and international humanitarian aid agencies for speedy delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people," he said.
The two-day summit, which ended at about 2am, was attended by leaders of its 57 members, except Syria.
Najib said Malaysia still believed that the Six Point Peace Plan, as outlined by the Joint United Nations-Arab League envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, was the best option in resolving the crisis.
"We regret his decision to resign. Nevertheless, we must continue his efforts to find an effective solution to this crisis as we believe that the Plan can restore peace, security and stability in the country," he said.
Speaking to Malaysian media later, Najib said Malaysia fully supported the three resolutions adopted at the summit, including the suspension of Syria's membership.
The other resolutions are to give recognition to Palestine as a sovereign state and champion the cause of the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.
Malaysia, said Najib, was also excited with the proposal by King Abdullah Abdul Aziz for the creation of a centre of dialogue for Islamic doctrines.
"It is a visionary initiative which will help to strengthen the unity of the ummah and ingrain Islamic values like moderation irrespective of our Islamic School of Thought," he said.