PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has become the first country to successfully convince Myanmar to accept the return of its refugees, marking a significant diplomatic achievement, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said.
Fahmi, who is also the MADANI Government spokesperson, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had highlighted the breakthrough, noting that the repatriation costs were borne by Myanmar.
He said discussions following Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing’s official visit to Malaysia on Oct 7 and 8 had opened the way for further repatriation efforts.
According to Fahmi, more than 3,000 Myanmar refugees from various ethnic groups are expected to be repatriated soon.
The first phase of the programme had involved 1,476 Myanmar nationals transported using three vessels, including a hospital ship belonging to the Myanmar navy.
Fahmi also called on the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) to closely monitor developments and report on the country’s diplomatic initiatives.
He cited other efforts, including visits by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II, as well as the Global Sumud initiative to support Palestinians.
Fahmi said these initiatives reflected Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen its international standing while providing assistance to communities in need.
-BERNAMA
