PREJUDIS KEAGAMAAN: KESENGSARAAN MASYARAKAT ROHINGYA DI MYANMAR

Abstract

From a historical perspective, the Rohingyas in Myanmar could be regarded as among the most victimized community in the world. Compared to others Muslim minorities in the region such as the ethnic Moro in southern Philippines or Muslim communities in southern Thailand, the Rohingya’s existence, their civic status and their personal narratives are rarely examined and exposed. The Rohingya Muslim community in Myanmar is burdened with continued persecution and suffering. This occurs due to the Myanmar government’s refusal to recognise and provide citizenship status to the Rohingya leading to an endless problem of identity. This article seeks to reveal the plight of the Rohingya people, including in matters of religion, as well as the history of the Rohingya people. It argues that the biggest challenge to the Rohingya people in Myanmar is religious prejudice, a problem serious enough to drive them to flee their homes. The Rohingyas now could be found in various countries including Malaysia, Thailand and Bangladesh as well as European countries and the United States of America.