DAP MP backs Anwar’s efforts to resolve ‘Myanmar refugee crisis’

Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng has expressed support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's efforts to address the longstanding Myanmar refugee crisis in Malaysia. The crisis, which has persisted for decades, currently involves 215,600 registered refugees, with 193,800, or nearly 90%, originating from Myanmar.

Lim highlighted that negotiations with Myanmar offer Malaysia a means to encourage Yangon to assume responsibility for the protection of repatriated refugees. He emphasized that any repatriation must prioritize the safety and dignity of the refugees, with clear safeguards in place to transform diplomatic commitments into tangible protection measures.

Acknowledging the decades-long nature of the crisis, Lim called for immediate action to avert a situation where future administrations and Malaysian generations inherit an unresolved problem. He cited examples from countries like Germany, which facilitate the voluntary return of Syrian refugees with counseling, and the UK and France, which introduced a legal admission route from France to the UK in August 2025.

These instances demonstrate the importance of international cooperation and practical assistance in managing displacement and migration. Malaysia initiated its first phase of a repatriation program recently, involving approximately 5,000 Myanmar refugees, with around 1,476 refugees transported back on three Myanmar naval vessels.

Anwar defended the initiative following criticism from civil society, explaining that Malaysia cannot indefinitely host hundreds of thousands of refugees without engaging Myanmar authorities on a resolution. He also stated that Malaysia aims to ensure the welfare of the refugees when Myanmar agrees to their repatriation.