KUALA LUMPUR: It is unfair to condemn Malaysia for trying to resolve the issue of Myanmar refugees when the government is seeking an amicable solution while safeguarding their welfare and human rights, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said Malaysia could not simply be expected to indefinitely accommodate hundreds of thousands of refugees without engaging Myanmar authorities on a possible solution.
"Our position is to protect their welfare and human rights concerns. But to just condemn us for taking this initiative, I don't think it's fair. We are trying to find an amicable resolution to this issue," he said after officiating Malaysia Professional Day here on Tuesday (Sept 29).
He said Malaysia would continue engaging Myanmar because the crisis had persisted for decades without a resolution, while the number of refugees continued to increase.
Anwar said Malaysia was using diplomatic engagement with Myanmar authorities to negotiate the possible return of some refugees, subject to concerns over their safety and treatment.
"Of course, we have to make sure they'll be protected and whatever facilities be accorded," he said.
He said simply calling on Malaysia not to send refugees back does not address the wider problem.
"No country can just accept hundreds of thousands (refugees) and some countries even millions. You have to negotiate," he said.
Asked if Myanmar had given assurances over the safety of those returning, Anwar merely said Myanmar had agreed to take back their nationals.
"So far, the ones sent, they said yes, they will bring back their people. What else can we do? At least we take the trouble," he said.
Anwar stressed that Malaysia was not simply pushing refugees back across the border.
He added that Malaysia would continue using diplomatic channels to determine the parameters for resolving the issue.
"What is the solution? As being suggested by many of these organisations – keep them here?
How many now? Two hundred thousand? Three hundred thousand?
"We use this platform diplomatically to negotiate," he said.
