The Prime Minister’s announcement that Myanmar has agreed to receive 5,000 Rohingya from Malaysia raises several fundamental questions.
First, has Malaysia’s longstanding position on the Rohingya changed? For many years, Malaysia has consistently maintained that any repatriation must be safe, voluntary and dignified, and that conditions inside Myanmar must permit a sustainable return. Does this remain the Government’s policy?
If so, how has the Government satisfied itself that any proposed return is consistent with international law and does not amount to refoulement? What concrete assurances has Malaysia received from the Myanmar authorities regarding the citizenship, legal status, safety, freedom of movement and long-term protection of any Rohingya who may return? How will these assurances be independently verified?
Second, has Malaysia changed its position on Myanmar’s military junta, or has the Myanmar junta changed? Malaysia has consistently maintained that the junta lacks legitimacy, has failed to implement the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, and cannot be treated as a normal government while continuing its campaign of violence against its own people. Are we now normalising our relationship with the junta to the extent that we are prepared to entrust it with the return of the very people who fled genocide, persecution and systematic exclusion? If so, what has changed?
Third, I recognise that the Government has a responsibility to uphold our laws. However, the issues surrounding the Rohingya in Malaysia are complex and require a comprehensive policy response. While the concerns of many Malaysians must be acknowledged, they should not be conflated with the separate question of repatriation to Myanmar. Unless these issues are properly addressed, there is a real risk that legitimate public concerns may give way to negative consequences.
I therefore reiterate my call for the Home Minister to present a Ministerial Statement in Parliament, including on the implementation of Arahan No. 23 Majlis Keselamatan Negara (MKN), the Government’s overall policy towards the Rohingya in Malaysia, and how it intends to address these complex issues in a manner that is lawful, transparent and consistent with Malaysia’s longstanding principles.
Parliament and the Malaysian people deserve clear answers on an issue that goes to the heart of Malaysia’s humanitarian commitments, foreign policy consistency, and international standing.
Dato’ Sri Saifuddin Abdullah
