'Where do we put them?': Anwar defends Myanmar talks, demands safety guarantees for refugees
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has defended Malaysia’s engagement with Myanmar, saying calls to simply “not send them back” offer no solution for the hundreds of thousands of Myanmar refugees in the country.
Kuala Lumpur - Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has defended Malaysia's ongoing talks with Myanmar, rejecting calls to simply not send back the hundreds of thousands of Myanmar refugees residing in the country. Anwar explained that Malaysia is seeking security guarantees for any returns, which is why Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing was invited for negotiations.
He emphasized that it is impractical to merely state "Don't send them back" without addressing the issue of where to accommodate the refugees. Anwar, speaking after the opening of the Professionals Conference & Exhibition 2026, stated that Malaysia's priority is safeguarding the welfare and human rights of the refugees, but he acknowledged the government's right to take the initiative in pursuing these talks.
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