Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has linked Malaysia’s current Rohingya refugee situation to decisions made under previous administrations, specifically pointing to the period when Datuk Seri Najib Razak was prime minister.
Speaking during a special Malaysia Day episode of the “Sembang Ohh Yeahh” podcast on Sept 16, Anwar said Rohingya refugees had previously been welcomed into the country, including through a major solidarity gathering attended by political leaders at the time, as reported by MalaysiaGazette.
‘They were welcomed’
According to Anwar, Malaysia is now dealing with the consequences of an issue that began before his administration took office.
He claimed that when Rohingya refugees first arrived in larger numbers, the country had been more welcoming towards them.
“Back then when they entered Malaysia, the doors were opened. They were welcomed and there was a major gathering,” he said.
Anwar also referred to speeches given by government and PAS leaders during the gathering, specifically mentioning Najib and PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang.
He questioned why his administration was now being blamed for the situation, saying that others had welcomed the refugees before the current government came into power.
Najib & Hadi attended Rohingya rally in 2016
The gathering Anwar was referring to was a large Rohingya solidarity rally held in Kuala Lumpur in December 2016.
Najib, who was prime minister at the time, attended the rally alongside other political leaders, including Abdul Hadi.
The gathering was held to show solidarity with Rohingya Muslims facing persecution in Myanmar.
However, Anwar’s remarks linking the previous administration to the subsequent Rohingya situation in Malaysia represent his own assessment of how the issue developed.
Says current situation has caused public concern
Anwar said the growing refugee population had since created concerns involving security, the economy and local communities.
He alleged that some refugees had broken local rules, held unauthorised gatherings and become involved in businesses traditionally operated by locals.
At the same time, he stressed that Malaysia has the right to determine who is allowed to remain in the country.
M’sia working with Myanmar on repatriation
Anwar acknowledged that sending Rohingya refugees back to Myanmar has not been straightforward, particularly as Myanmar had previously been unwilling to accept them.
He said the government is now pursuing direct negotiations with Myanmar to allow refugees to return in stages.
According to MalaysiaGazette, Myanmar has agreed to accept 5,000 individuals from Malaysia in phases following negotiations between both countries.
Other media also reported that 1,476 eligible Myanmar nationals who agreed to return home are scheduled to be repatriated on Sept 29 under the first phase of the programme.
The Home Ministry said the repatriation would be carried out voluntarily and in accordance with procedures agreed upon by both countries.
Anwar said Malaysia would continue negotiating with Myanmar for a longer term solution to the refugee issue rather than relying solely on detention or enforcement measures.
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