Malaysia to proceed with repatriation of 5,000 Myanmar refugees after court ruling, says home minister

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 29 — The Malaysian government plans to continue its efforts in repatriating Myanmar refugees back to their home country through lawful channels and diplomatic processes, according to Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. The repatriation efforts will follow the court's decision to reject the Malaysian Bar's request for a temporary halt to the repatriation process.

Saifuddin stated that both the Home Ministry and the Foreign Ministry will continue discussions with the Myanmar government to facilitate the repatriation of the second group of refugees, unless the court takes a different stance. He emphasized that the judicial review, scheduled for December 8, would determine the final decision.

The Malaysian Bar's application for a stay was dismissed by the High Court, but this did not impact the right of the Malaysian Bar to reapply after the court's decision on judicial review. Saifuddin urged the public not to take matters into their own hands, stressing that law enforcement should be left to the authorities, and urged against extreme actions or violating the law.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also mentioned that Malaysia had opted for a diplomatic approach with Myanmar to resolve the refugee issue, despite facing international criticism. So far, around 10,300 Myanmar nationals have been repatriated, with another 3,000 expected to be repatriated this month.