Malaysia says Myanmar must address root causes of Rohingya crisis
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia says responsibility for resolving the Rohingya crisis should not fall on the country alone, but requires Myanmar's commitment and concrete action to address the root causes of the crisis and achieve a lasting solution.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia insists resolving the Rohingya crisis cannot rest solely on its shoulders, urging Myanmar's commitment and concrete steps to tackle the crisis's origins and secure a permanent resolution. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan affirmed Malaysia's ongoing assistance via diplomatic engagement and humanitarian cooperation, alongside sustained backing from ASEAN and the global community.
He emphasized that the Rohingya repatriation issue could only be settled by addressing the crisis's root causes in Myanmar. Malaysia persists in diplomatic efforts at bilateral, regional, and international platforms to establish conditions for Rohingya safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return to Myanmar, he added. At the bilateral level, Malaysia continues engaging with Myanmar to promote measures aiding Rohingya repatriation, ensuring they regain their lives in origin without discrimination or exclusion, he said in a written answer to the Dewan Rakyat today.
Responding to concerns about diplomatic guarantees and mechanisms with the Myanmar government for Rohingya refugees' safe, voluntary, and dignified return, and follow-up ASEAN actions to address crisis roots and prevent recurrence, Mohamad highlighted ASEAN's adherence to the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) as its primary framework. Efforts on the 5PC's three components—the cessation of violence, non-discriminatory humanitarian access expansion, and inclusive dialogue with all Myanmar stakeholders—remain Asean's priority.
Tan Sri Othman Hashim, Asean Special Envoy on Myanmar, continues advocating for the 5PC's practical and lasting implementation since 2021. ASEAN is also exploring extra initiatives to bolster existing efforts, aiming to secure Myanmar's consent and cooperation in restoring peace and stability, he added. On the humanitarian front, Malaysia backs ASEAN's endeavors through the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) to aid conflict-affected Myanmar people.
The AHA Centre coordinates discrimination-free humanitarian aid delivery through cooperation with Myanmar parties and, when necessary, cross-border efforts. ASEAN collaborates with the UN and other international partners to extend aid reach and ensure it benefits those in need, he concluded.
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