Rear Admiral Myint Nwe told a security forum in Singapore his government is "fully aware of the growing concern about the widespread reports on (the) situation in Rakhine state" where the Rohingya live, and was committed to address the issue and punish wrongdoers.
Since October Myanmar's army has carried out "clearance operations" in the north of the western state to root out insurgents accused of deadly raids on police border posts.
Myanmar has long faced international criticism over its treatment of the Rohingya. Most people in the majority Buddhist community consider them illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.
"The government does not condone rights abuses against innocent civilians. Legal action will be taken in response to any substantiated claim," Myint Nwe said.
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The admiral was responding to a keynote address by Malaysian Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein at th Fullerton Forum organised by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
Hishammuddin warned that the situation in Rakhine -- if not addressed properly -- could be exploited by the Islamic State group as it seeks a base in Southeast Asia.
Answering a delegate's question, Hishammuddin said the Rohingya issue "is going to test ASEAN solidarity... It needs to be resolved, we cannot sweep it under the carpet, it affects a lot of Muslims and it's very emotional".
Myint Nwe said both Yangon and the international community should focus on finding a "lasting solution" to the problem.
"Allowing time and space is essential for the government's efforts to bear fruit in finding a sustainable solution of this complex issue."
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