KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has defended Malaysia’s decision to repatriate Myanmar nationals, saying it was unfair to criticise the government for seeking a long-term solution to an issue that has persisted for decades.
He said Malaysia would continue negotiations with Myanmar to safeguard the welfare, safety and basic rights of those being repatriated, while stressing that the country could not indefinitely accommodate hundreds of thousands of people without addressing the issue at its source.
“Our position is to protect their welfare and human rights, but to condemn Malaysia for taking this initiative, I think that is unfair. We are trying to find an amicable solution to this issue,” he said after officiating the Professional Conference and Exhibition (PROFEX) 2026 at the KLGCC Convention Centre here today.
Anwar said the situation in Myanmar remained complex and could not be resolved simply by calling on Malaysia not to repatriate its nationals.
“That is why I invited him (Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing) to Malaysia. We will continue to negotiate and look at the parameters of how this problem can be resolved,” he said.
He stressed that any repatriation must be carried out in an orderly manner, with appropriate safeguards to protect the safety and welfare of those returning.
“There is no country that can simply accept hundreds of thousands, and some countries receive millions. So we need to negotiate,” he said.
Media reports said Malaysia began the first phase of its Voluntary Repatriation Programme today, involving 1,476 Myanmar nationals identified by the Myanmar authorities.
The group is part of 5,000 Myanmar nationals scheduled to return in stages following discussions between the two governments.
Anwar said Malaysia would continue using diplomatic channels to establish the appropriate parameters for the process, including safeguards for those being repatriated.
Asked whether Myanmar had provided assurances on the safety of those returning, Anwar said the authorities had so far agreed to receive their nationals.
“So far, those being sent back, they have said yes, they will take their nationals home. What else can we do? At least we are taking steps to work towards it,” he said.
He stressed that Malaysia was not simply sending the Myanmar nationals back, but was working through diplomatic negotiations to determine how the repatriation process should be carried out.
