Dr Zaliha denies officiating groundbreaking ceremonies for Myanmar refugee settlements

Former Malaysian minister Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa has vehemently denied rumors that she attended or officiated at any ground-breaking ceremonies for settlements housing newly arrived Myanmar refugees. Dr Zaliha, who is a member of parliament for Sekijang, vehemently stated that the allegations circulating on social media were false and malicious, including the act of falsely linking her to an individual who clearly did not participate in any such events.

The circulating photograph, Dr Zaliha clarified, was actually taken at two different conferences held on August 12, 2025 in Kuala Lumpur: the Asean Sustainable Urbanisation Forum (ASUF), the Asean Governors and Mayors Forum (AGMF) and the Meeting of Governors and Mayors of Asean Capitals (MGMAC) 2025. She was only invited to give a special address and to attend the joint launch ceremony, which was presided over by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

Dr Zaliha emphasized that merely being present at an event does not imply any personal relationships, support for the attendees' actions or endorsement of their views. She warned that taking a single image out of context can create a narrative that is not factual.

Dr Zaliha also refuted the claim that she had supported or facilitated the resettlement of Myanmar refugees. She highlighted that her tenure in the Federal Territories Department saw the establishment of the KL Strike Force, an integrated enforcement mechanism aimed at tackling security and public order issues, including the influx of foreign nationals and the illegal settlement of Myanmar refugees.

The KL Strike Force's inaugural operation involved locating and clearing illegal refugee settlements in Bandar Baru Sentul. Dr Zaliha stressed that any actions taken were in response to illegal structures, unlicensed businesses and foreign activities without proper authorization.