KUALA LUMPUR (ANN/THE STAR) – Malaysia, which hosts the highest number of Myanmar refugees among ASEAN member states, particularly from the Rohingya community, is set to leverage its ASEAN chairmanship in 2025 to address this critical issue, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
He stated that Malaysia would maintain its advocacy for refugee welfare and push for a pragmatic regional approach to the crisis. “As the Chair of ASEAN in 2025, Malaysia holds the responsibility to spearhead ASEAN’s efforts in addressing the crisis in Myanmar,” he noted in a written reply to Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi (PN Tumpat) during parliamentary sitting.
He affirmed that Malaysia’s initiatives will continue to align with the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) agreed upon by ASEAN leaders in April 2021. “Humanitarian assistance for the people of Myanmar will remain a priority, delivered impartially and without discrimination,” he said.
Highlighting Malaysia’s commitment to finding a peaceful solution, Mohamad Hasan added that efforts to engage Myanmar stakeholders would continue, aiming for inclusive political dialogue that fosters sustainable peace.
He also pointed out the importance of third-country resettlement efforts led by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the UNHCR. “As of August 31, 2024, the IOM has facilitated the resettlement of 4,774 refugees to third countries. Of this total, 3,384 individuals, or 70.9 per cent, were Myanmar refugees resettled to nations including the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, France, Japan, South Korea, Great Britain, Norway, and the Philippines,” he said.
Mumtaz had inquired about Malaysia’s strategy as the upcoming ASEAN Chair to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, including potential plans to relocate Myanmar refugees to designated islands funded by third countries, the UNHCR, and ASEAN.
According to a Reuters report, Malaysia currently lacks an official system for processing asylum applications, resulting in many Rohingya refugees being classified as undocumented migrants. This status exposes them to the risk of arrest and prevents them from legitimate employment.
