PAS has questioned the government’s decision to host Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing on an official visit to Malaysia on October 7 and 8, while the country continues to face armed conflict and a humanitarian crisis.
PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said the visit raised concerns about Malaysia’s commitment to international justice and the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus aimed at addressing the Myanmar crisis.
He warned that officially welcoming the junta leader risked normalising a military administration linked to allegations of human rights violations.
“PAS stresses that international justice must not be applied selectively. The principles of justice must not change depending on a leader’s identity or diplomatic interests.
“Malaysia must consistently defend international law, whether the issue involves Palestine, Myanmar or any other country,” he said in a statement today.
Ahmad Fadhli acknowledged public concerns over undocumented foreigners, weaknesses in refugee management and potential threats to the safety and interests of Malaysians.
However, he said diplomatic efforts to resolve issues involving Myanmar nationals and refugees in Malaysia should not come at the expense of international justice or human security.
He also stressed that the repatriation of refugees and undocumented migrants from Myanmar must comply with international law while taking into account security risks and humanitarian rights.
“The government must explain the screening mechanisms, risk assessments and safety guarantees in place after the return of Myanmar nationals.
“Has every individual been properly assessed, including those who may require international protection?” he asked.
Ahmad Fadhli said enforcement action against undocumented migrants should be distinguished from the management of refugees and asylum seekers who could face persecution if returned without clear and orderly procedures.
He emphasised that PAS was not defending illegal entry or weak enforcement, but wanted the government to strengthen border controls, combat human trafficking syndicates and enforce immigration laws.
Ahmad Fadhli also highlighted the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor’s November 2024 application for an arrest warrant against Min Aung Hlaing over alleged crimes against humanity.
He drew a comparison with the ICC arrest warrants issued on November 21, 2024, against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity relating to Gaza.
PAS therefore urged the government to explain the purpose and outcomes of Min Aung Hlaing’s visit, including Malaysia’s position on the international crime allegations associated with him.
The party also called for greater transparency over screening procedures and safety guarantees for Myanmar nationals being repatriated, alongside clearer policies for managing refugees and undocumented migrants.
Ahmad Fadhli further urged the government to strengthen enforcement and regional cooperation based on the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus.
“The government must explain to the people whether this visit genuinely offers a solution to the Myanmar crisis or merely provides diplomatic space for a junta leader without any guarantee of tangible progress,” he said.
