Government in Talks to Repatriate 5,000 Rohingya Refugees

The Malaysian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra), is engaging in discussions with the Myanmar government concerning the proposed repatriation of 5,000 Rohingya refugees.

Minister of Communications Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil stated that several factors require thorough examination to ensure the safety and well-being of the refugees are not compromised before any decision is made. He emphasized that Malaysia, as a responsible nation, would not repatriate individuals if their lives were at risk.

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The matter is being studied by Wisma Putra and the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN), where these 5,000 Myanmar refugees will be identified. But of course, Malaysia, as a responsible country, will not send them back if these 5,000 Myanmar refugees will be either oppressed or their lives will be threatened.

These discussions are part of a broader diplomatic effort. Earlier, on July 29, media reported that Myanmar had agreed to accept 5,000 Rohingya refugees from Malaysia, stemming from diplomatic negotiations and good relations between the two countries. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described this development as an initial step in addressing the issue while also preserving public order in Malaysia.

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What was informed by the Prime Minister, these 5,000 Myanmar refugees are those that the Myanmar junta government is willing to accept, but we will examine the criteria and if suitable, we will implement it.

Fahmi elaborated that while the Myanmar junta government has expressed willingness to accept the 5,000 refugees, Malaysia must scrutinize the stipulated criteria to ensure the repatriation is appropriate. He reiterated the Prime Minister's stance that refugees should not be sent back if their lives are endangered. Wisma Putra is currently reviewing these aspects.

In a separate matter, Fahmi mentioned that at least 35 to 40 Members of Parliament have expressed interest in debating the report from the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) during a special session of the Dewan Rakyat on August 11.

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But the Prime Minister noted that we cannot send them back if their lives are threatened. So there are several matters being studied by Wisma Putra, in particular.