No Rohingya among 1,476 repatriated to Myanmar, says PM

PARLIAMENT | No Rohingya were among the 1,476 Myanmar refugees repatriated from Malaysia on Sept 29, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told the Dewan Rakyat today.

His remarks followed questions over the repatriation exercise amid concerns about refugee safety and claims that the growing Rohingya presence posed national security risks.

“According to the records we have checked so far, no Rohingya refugees have been repatriated.

“However, this remains under discussion, and I believe the foreign minister (Mohamad Hasan) and I will raise the issue when we meet the Myanmar president (Min Aung Hlaing) so that it can be addressed as effectively as possible,” said Anwar, in response to Suhaizan Kaiat (Harapan-Pulai) during Prime Minister’s Question Time.

The premier said the repatriation agreement covered Myanmar nationals from various ethnic communities.

“So far, under our agreement, we have said that Myanmar nationals would be repatriated, whether they are Arakan, Karen, Shan, or Rohingya.

“An important point is that we guarantee they will only be sent back with their consent. This ensures their safety and protects their human rights,” he said.

The Sept 29 operation was the first phase of a programme involving 5,000 people. According to the Home Ministry, the initial group was selected from a verified list supplied by Myanmar and returned aboard Myanmar naval vessels.

UNHCR had expressed concern over the returns amid Myanmar’s continuing conflict and dire human rights and humanitarian conditions.

Amnesty International Malaysia and Asylum Access Malaysia also questioned whether the returns could be genuinely voluntary under those circumstances, despite government assurances that those involved had signed consent documents.

UNHCR cards

In a supplementary question, Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut) argued that UNHCR's issuance of identification documents remained a key concern, citing Malaysia’s position as a non-signatory to the Refugee Convention.

“Earlier, in your reply, you said no Rohingya had been repatriated. The issue is that the Rohingya have become a problem in this country, and the root causes need to be examined more closely.

“They are in Malaysia using UNHCR cards. This is what poses a problem for us. I commend the Home Ministry for providing the Rohingya with identification through the DPP system,” said the former home minister.

Hamzah (below) was referring to the Home Ministry’s Refugee Registration Document programme, launched on Jan 1, which involves identity and biometric registration, screening and refugee-status determination. Those recognised under the programme receive documentation allowing a temporary stay.

“My question to the government is: How can we stop UNHCR from issuing cards and have the Home Ministry issue them instead, to avoid confusion?

“The real issue is the issuance of UNHCR cards,” stressed Hamzah.

Responding to Hamzah, Anwar agreed that Malaysia should be empowered to manage refugee affairs domestically, but said the “legacy issue” required diplomatic engagement, including with the United Nations.

Yesterday, the Foreign Ministry told Parliament it was reviewing UNHCR’s role to gradually reduce reliance on the agency as the government builds its capacity to manage refugees and asylum seekers.

The ministry acknowledged that UNHCR had operated in Malaysia since 1975, despite the country not being a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol.

Phase 2 awaits

In a related development, Immigration Department director-general Zakaria Shaaban today said Malaysia is awaiting the outcome of negotiations with Myanmar before proceeding with the next phase of repatriations involving 3,524 individuals in detention.

“We are still waiting for feedback from the Foreign Ministry on negotiations with the Myanmar government.

“Once we receive a date, our involvement will be on the operational side. We will make the necessary arrangements and identify those who will be sent back,” he told reporters in Putrajaya today, the New Straits Times reported.

Zakaria reiterated that Myanmar had agreed to receive 5,000 people under the bilateral arrangement, leaving 3,524 following the first phase.

However, he said the exercise would continue beyond that number.

“The government, particularly through the Foreign Ministry, will continue negotiations with the Myanmar government.

“Even after the 5,000 have been sent back, we will continue with the repatriations. This is an ongoing operation. It does not end once the 5,000 have been completed,” he was quoted as saying.

“We have not set a quota. As far as we are concerned, if possible, we want all of them to return,” he stressed.

Zakaria also reportedly said authorities did not yet have a definitive count of refugees in Malaysia and were relying on UNHCR data, subject to completion of the Home Ministry’s registration exercise. 

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