Malaysia is seeking direct discussions with Myanmar’s President Min Aung Hlaing to address the complex issue of Rohingya refugee repatriation. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that while Malaysia, along with the broader ASEAN bloc, does not officially recognize Myanmar’s current administration, establishing a channel for negotiation is crucial for facilitating the return of refugees to their homeland.
Diplomatic Engagement Amidst Non-Recognition
Min Aung Hlaing, a retired general who assumed the presidency in April following a 2021 military coup, has been actively seeking international legitimacy. His visit to Malaysia marks his fifth trip to ASEAN nations since July, having already visited Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. These diplomatic overtures aim to re-engage with neighboring countries that largely isolated his former junta from high-level meetings after the 2021 takeover. He has also engaged with leaders from China, India, and Russia.
Prime Minister Anwar explained Malaysia’s stance, emphasizing that the nation, mirroring ASEAN’s position, is not prepared to formally recognize Myanmar’s government. However, he highlighted the practical necessity of having an authority to negotiate with regarding the return of refugees. “We, following Asean, don’t want direct relations with Myanmar. So who are we supposed to negotiate with?” Anwar remarked during a podcast. He conveyed a message of conditional engagement: “I invited him to say we can be friends, we can trade, we can accept Myanmar, but Myanmar must accept them (refugees) back.”
ASEAN’s Stance and Myanmar’s Internal Conflict
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has not recognized the legitimacy of Myanmar’s recent election results. Since 2021, the bloc has excluded Myanmar’s leaders from its summit meetings. This isolation stems from the ongoing civil war within Myanmar, which has reportedly resulted in approximately 100,000 deaths. The military regime faces widespread accusations of committing atrocities against the civilian population, claims that it consistently denies.
Malaysia has been a prominent critic of Myanmar’s former military junta, frequently expressing its frustration over the regime’s refusal to cease hostilities. The government has underscored the urgency of resolving the refugee situation, with Anwar stating, “They need to be sent home.”
Rohingya Repatriation Efforts and Challenges
Malaysia has been actively working on a voluntary repatriation program for refugees from Myanmar. The nation announced the completion of the first phase, which aimed to return 1,500 refugees in September. As of February, Malaysia hosted approximately 193,800 refugees from Myanmar, according to data from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). However, the UNHCR has expressed concerns about the safety of these refugees should they return to their country of origin.
The Rohingya are an ethnic minority group that has faced severe persecution in Myanmar. Tens of thousands have fled the country annually, often undertaking dangerous sea journeys in search of safety and better living conditions. A significant portion of the Rohingya population, over a million individuals, currently resides in overcrowded camps in Bangladesh.
Anwar’s Perspective on Practical Diplomacy
While acknowledging the profound suffering endured by the Rohingya, Prime Minister Anwar stressed that Malaysia cannot provide permanent accommodation for them. He reiterated the necessity for their return, stating, “they need to be sent home.” He indicated that Myanmar has agreed to accept the return of 5,000 refugees, with the Malaysian government covering the repatriation costs. The expectation is for further phased returns in the future.
Anwar advocated for this approach as a more effective diplomatic strategy than mere condemnation. “To me, that’s better diplomacy than just shouting angrily at Myanmar. Who’s going to take them? Where do we send them? They don’t even have Myanmar citizenship,” he explained. He concluded by referencing the shift in Malaysia’s engagement strategy: “Previously we didn’t negotiate because we didn’t recognise them. We’re not simply going to recognise and negotiate for no reason.” This indicates a pragmatic shift towards dialogue, even without formal recognition, to achieve tangible outcomes for the refugee crisis.
