More than 3,000 Myanmar refugees set for repatriation after Malaysia secures breakthrough

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 14 — Malaysia has become the first country in the world to successfully convince Myanmar to accept the return of its refugees, according to Madani Government spokesperson Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized this achievement, calling it "an extraordinary diplomatic accomplishment."

All repatriated refugees were sent back at Myanmar's own expense. Fahmi highlighted that this diplomatic achievement reflects positively on Malaysia's standing on the global stage. The repatriation discussions were facilitated by Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing's official visit to Malaysia on October 7 and 8. Fahmi expects the repatriation of over 3,000 Myanmar refugees from various ethnic groups to commence soon.

The initiative is part of Malaysia's efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties with other nations. Earlier, Malaysia had carried out the first phase of a repatriation program involving 1,476 Myanmar nationals, using three vessels, including a hospital ship from the Myanmar navy. Anwar had also expressed Myanmar's readiness to facilitate large-scale repatriation and bear the associated costs.

Fahmi also mentioned other diplomatic achievements, including visits from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah II, as well as the Global Sumud initiative to assist the Palestinian people.