Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has linked Malaysia’s current Rohingya refugee situation to decisions made under previous administrations, particularly during the tenure of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
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 Malaysia, including at a major solidarity gathering attended by political leaders.
He pointed to a 2016 Rohingya solidarity rally in Kuala Lumpur, which was attended by Najib, who was prime minister at the time, as well as PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang and other political leaders.
“Back then when they entered Malaysia, the doors were opened. They were welcomed and there was a major gathering,” Anwar said.
He questioned why his administration was now being held responsible for the situation, arguing that the refugees had been welcomed before the current government came to power.
The 2016 gathering was held to express solidarity with Rohingya Muslims facing persecution in Myanmar.
Anwar’s linking of the previous administration and the subsequent development of the Rohingya refugee situation represents his assessment of how the issue evolved.
He said the growing refugee population had since raised concerns over security, the economy and its impact on local communities.
Anwar also alleged that some refugees had breached local rules, organised gatherings without authorisation and become involved in businesses traditionally operated by Malaysians.
However, he stressed that Malaysia has the right to determine who is allowed to remain in the country.
On repatriation, Anwar said returning Rohingya refugees to Myanmar had been difficult, particularly because Myanmar had previously been unwilling to accept them.
He said Malaysia was now holding direct negotiations with Myanmar to facilitate the return of refugees in stages.
Myanmar has agreed to accept 5,000 of its nationals from Malaysia in phases following negotiations between the two countries, according to MalaysiaGazette.
Separately, 1,476 eligible Myanmar nationals who have 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 according to procedures agreed upon by Malaysia and Myanmar.
Anwar said Malaysia would continue negotiations with Myanmar to seek a longer-term solution to the refugee issue rather than relying solely on detention and enforcement measures.
