Jangan wariskan krisis pelarian kepada kerajaan, generasi akan datang, kata Lim

Malaysia has commenced the first phase of a program to repatriate around 1,500 Myanmar refugees, part of the estimated 5,000 individuals willing to return voluntarily, according to reports. Petaling Jaya: Malaysia must find a lasting solution to the Myanmar refugee crisis to prevent the ongoing issue that has persisted for decades from being inherited by future governments and generations, stated Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng, a member of the DAP party.

The MP backed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's efforts to negotiate with Myanmar to find a resolution to the matter, emphasizing the need for a long-term solution to avoid future problems. "Our children should inherit the leadership we provide, not the consequences of our failures," Lim emphasized. Lim supported Anwar's insistence that any repatriation efforts must safeguard the safety and dignity of refugees, with clear protection measures to ensure diplomatic commitment translates into effective protection.

According to UNHCR data as of the end of February, around 215,600 refugees and asylum seekers were registered with the agency in Malaysia, with 193,800 of them originating from Myanmar. Lim noted that this figure demonstrates Malaysia's significant responsibility in addressing the crisis and the country needs meaningful support from the international community.

He also referred to the approach of other advanced nations in handling the migration issue, including a "one-in, one-out" agreement between the UK and France introduced last August. The agreement involves repatriating certain arriving migrants by boat to France, with a legitimate entry route to Britain provided as an alternative.

Lim also cited Germany's step of supporting voluntary return to Syria, including providing counseling to help them understand the situation in the country and prepare for their return. Malaysia began the first phase of the repatriation program for around 1,500 Myanmar refugees today, part of the estimated 5,000 individuals willing to return voluntarily.