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 launching Malaysia Professional Day.
The Prime Minister said Malaysia would continue engaging Myanmar because the crisis had persisted for decades without a resolution, while the number of refugees continued to increase.
He 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.
“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 did 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 whether Myanmar had given assurances over the safety of those returning, Anwar did not directly confirm this but said Myanmar authorities had agreed to take back their nationals.
He said Malaysia was not simply pushing refugees back across the border.
“It’s not true to say just push them back. No, it’s not true. We will first negotiate,” he said.
Malaysia would continue using diplomatic channels to determine the parameters for resolving the issue, he added.
Separately, the Prime Minister questioned why attention continues to be fixated on Anthony Loke’s resignation when the Transport Minister has performed well in his role.
He said Loke had only submitted his resignation letter on Monday, adding that he had yet to discuss the matter with him.
Anwar also defended Loke’s performance as Transport Minister.
“His performance as a minister is very good. That is why I will discuss it with him,” he said.
Loke had said that his resignation from Cabinet will take effect once former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak returns home to serve house arrest.
