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Anwar to Invite Myanmar President, Push for Rohingya Repatriation
Anwar says Malaysia wants a voluntary, diplomatic process as Myanmar has agreed to take 5,000 people in stages.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will invite Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing to Malaysia for talks on the repatriation of Rohingya refugees and Myanmar nationals.
Anwar informed the Cabinet and Home Ministry about two weeks ago, prioritizing diplomacy to address local employment difficulties and concerns among communities regarding Myanmar nationals.
Myanmar has agreed to accept an initial 5,000 people, with Malaysia planning phased returns for up to 200,000 individuals; the first phase involves about 1,500 people this September.
Anwar stated the move aims to reduce security and financial burdens at immigration depots. Malaysia must ensure those returning to Myanmar will be safe, he emphasized.
While expressing willingness to trade and accept Myanmar, Anwar insisted Myanmar must reciprocate by accepting returnees, though safety guarantees for destination areas remain a critical question.