KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 — Continued engagement with Myanmar is necessary to find a solution to the decades-old refugee issue which has become increasingly complex, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Diplomatic engagement and negotiations remain important in addressing the situation, particularly as the number of refugees has increased over the years.
“You see, the problem in Myanmar, I believe that we need to continue to engage. Because the problem has been there for decades.
"Not resolved. Things are getting worse. The number of refugees has increased,” he told the media after officiating the launch of Hari Ikhtisas Malaysia today.
At the same time, the refugee situation cannot be addressed by expecting host countries to keep accommodating rising numbers without efforts to find a longer-term solution.
Anwar added that Malaysia would therefore continue using diplomatic channels to discuss the parameters for resolving the matter with Myanmar.
He also rejected suggestions that Malaysia’s approach was simply to send refugees back, emphasising that negotiations remained central to the process.
“It is not true to say, just push them back. No, it is not true. We, of course, negotiate. We will continue to negotiate and see the parameters, how to resolve this?” Anwar said.
The initiative aims to find a solution through discussions with the relevant authorities, while taking into account the concerns of those affected.
However, he said any arrangement involving the return of refugees must also consider their protection and the facilities provided to them.
Decisions on the matter needed to be discussed and deliberated between the Malaysian government and the authorities in Myanmar rather than simply calling for refugees to be sent back.
“And even when they agreed to bring back some of these refugees, of course, we have to make sure that they are protected and whatever facilities are to be accorded.
“Our position is to protect their welfare concerns, human rights concerns, but to just condemn us for taking this initiative, I don’t think it is fair. We are trying to find an amicable resolution to this issue,” he said.
