KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is considering pulling out of the AFF Suzuki Cup co-hosted by Myanmar in protest at its crackdown on ethnic Rohingya Muslims, a senior Malaysian official said yesterday, risking a possible global ban by the sport's governing body, Fifa.
Vietnam players celebrate.
A withdrawal by Muslim-majority Malaysia from the tournament would run counter to the 10 nation Asean's long-standing policy of non-interference in other members' affairs.
Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said he raised the issue last week, but a decision would only be made at a cabinet meeting tomorrow.
"While we've known for a while that Myanmar will be the host, this [decision] is based on recent reports from the Rakhine that showed proof of attacks, that reportedly show evidence of genocide," Khairy told reporters.
"But whatever they decide, we must continue to speak up," he added.
The conflict in Myanmar's northwestern state of Rakhine has sent hundreds of Rohingya Muslims fleeing to Bangladesh and poses a serious challenge to Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, who swept to power last year on promises of national reconciliation.
Group B of the Suzuki Cup is being held in Myanmar.
Malaysia lost 1-0 to Vietnam yesterday thanks to a late goal by Nguyen Trong Hoang.
The Malaysians, who beat Cambodia 3-2 in their opening game, can still qualify for the semi-finals.
They meet Myanmar in their last group game on Saturday.
In Manila, Thailand coach Kiatisak Senamuang said yesterday he will rest a couple of players in the team's last group game against the Philippines tomorrow.
Defending champions Thailand have advanced to the semi-finals as Group A leaders after beating Singapore 1-0 on Tuesday for their second win in as many games.
With the Philippines held to a 2-2 draw by Indonesia on the same day, Thailand cannot be overtaken.
"I will make some changes to the starting line-up for the Philippines match but we still want a maximum nine points," he said. bangkok post/reuters