Govt 'following the law' in Rakhine

A commission set up by Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi to investigate attacks on border posts and the army's brutal response yesterday said security forces had abided by the law in a Muslim-majority area of northwestern Rakhine State.

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate established the body amid growing international pressure to investigate allegations that Myanmar soldiers had killed and raped civilians and burned down their homes, as well as to allow aid agencies to reach the area.

In a statement, the 13-member panel said, "Government authorities have followed the law and acted legally in their response to the attackers."

The preliminary conclusion raises questions over whether the commission - headed by Vice President Myint Swe, a general and an acolyte of former junta leader Than Shwe - will deliver an independent verdict in its full report, expected by Jan. 31.

On Tuesday, the body wrapped up a three-day visit to Maungdaw, where at least 86 people have been killed since the Oct. 9 attacks and where the military sweep has prompted about 27,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee across the border to Bangladesh.

Rohingya, who form the majority of residents in Maungdaw, are denied citizenship in Myanmar, face restrictions on their movements and have limited access to healthcare and education.

Najib Razak, the prime minister of neighbouring Muslim-majority Malaysia, has accused Myanmar of committing genocide against the Rohingya.