OMG Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Pakatan Harapan-led Coalition government, has just done a most draconian and anti-human rights act of returning most probably Myanmar refugees/asylum seekers back to Myanmar because Anwar said a 'deal' was reached with Myanmmar. The act of sending back these Myanmar people(some of whom are not even recognized as citizens.
How many ROHINGYA or other ETHNIC Minorities where there is ON-GOING conflict/WAR like Shan, Karen, Rakhine(Arakanese),Mon, Chin, Kachin and Kareni were amongst the ... How many linked to the democratic political parties that have fleed since the Military COUP that ousted democratic government? IS IT a 'RETURN' of citizens SAFELY to their country - OR is it returning 'asylum seekers/refugees' back to the OPPRESSIVE regime that they fled from.
Refugees/Rohingya at risk as PH/MADANI tries to win NS and other upcoming elections? Principle of NON-REFOULMENT? Malaysia's reputation as a CARING nation respecting Human Rights at RISK?
Did those being RETURNED freely CONSENT - The Malaysian Goverment says that they who were being returned CONSENTED - but I would be more assured, if this CONSENT was verified by SUHAKAM(Malaysian Human Rights Commission) or even the UN.
Of concern also, based on Media reports, is whether MYANMAR government actually asked for NAMED individuals to be returned, which is ODD and worrying..
the repatriation involved 1,476 Myanmar nationals identified by the Myanmar government.
It said the 1,476 individuals repatriated yesterday were part of a list submitted by the Myanmar government through an official diplomatic note. - Malay Mail, 30/9/2026
SO SUSPICIOUS, did Malaysia send them back only for Myanmar to arrest and prosecute them? Would Malaysia monitor what really happens to these 1,476 sent back to Myanmmar, and cease further sending back anyone to Myanmar - back to regime or government, many of these refugees fled from..
Under international law, as defined in the 1951 Refugee Convention, a refugee is someone who cannot return to their country. This fear of harm is based on specific grounds: Race, Religion, Nationality, Political opinion or membership in a particular social group
The CONFLICT in Myanmar is between the Barma(Burman) ethnic majority government and the minority ethnic groups since the INDEPENDECE of Burma(now known as Myanmmar), whereby it also involves war against armies of these ethnic groups - some of these ethnic groups include Shan, Karen, Rakhine(Arakanese),Mon, Chin, Kachin and Kareni. This conflict or war is still ongoing after military junta ousted the democratic government. The latest military Coup happened when the military controlled 'democratic' government that included Aung San Suu Kyi. Note that after the 1st Military Coup in
Myanmar’s former army chief, U Min Aung Hlaing, staged a coup in 2021, ousting the elected government. That event catalyzed a full-blown war that has pitted the powerful military against hundreds of disparate rebel groups united in their mission to unseat the generals’ chosen government.
Following the coup a state of war erupted between the military junta—officially known as the State Administration Council (SAC)—and the National Unity Government (NUG), a pro-democracy shadow government led by ousted civilian leaders.
The effect of this war that escalated following the 2021 military coup
Sparked by a February 2021 coup that deposed a government led by former Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, the conflict in Myanmar has so far killed over 100,000 people, displaced millions and devastated the economy.
Now, there is also an ongoing CIVIL WAR between the shadow National Unity Government (NUG), People's Defence Forces (PDFs), and various Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs).
AND this happened yesterday ...
Families searched for bodies on Tuesday around a charred market in western Myanmar after a military airstrike killed 50 people, one of the deadliest recent bombardments in the civil war. ... the military's air force raided the riverside commercial hub in Kyauktaw town in western Rakhine state around midday (0530 GMT) on Monday..The Arakan Army (AA) -- a local ethnic rebel force controlling the area -- said in a statement that those killed were "innocent passersby, market vendors, shoppers and cargo loaders". - France24, 29/9/2026.
YES, the war and oppression by the military controlled government is still continuing - and the innocent continues to be KILLED and displaced. It may have been OK if Malaysia send back Myanmar nationals after Myanmar gets a trully democratic government - WHICH IS NOT NOW.
One argument that Anwar seems to be relying on is that MALAYSIANS want this - but even the 'anti-Rohingya' campaign is questionable - as it is a suspicious that Malaysians (where Muslims are the majority) would want to GET RID of Rohingyas and other Myanmar nationals NOW? Malaysians have always been a CARING PEOPLE - so what happened? I DOUBT MALAYSIANS wanted the return of refugees/asylum seekers back to the Country they fled to escape persecution?
WHY DID MALAYSIA NOT take criminal action against those propagating ethnic/religious discrimination or Xenophobia? There are LAWS in Malaysia that could have been used > so, why was it not used in this instance?
A wave of political disinformation targeting Malaysia’s Rohingya population has raised alarm among rights groups that say it is fuelling xenophobia and intimidation against the refugee community. AFP fact-checkers have debunked a torrent of falsehoods about the Muslim ethnic group on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok — including fake quotes, doctored videos and fabricated statistics.While anti-Rohingya disinformation has proliferated for years amid military crackdowns in their home country of Myanmar, analysts say the recent uptick is part of a broader political campaign ahead of Malaysian elections next year. - FMT, 21/7/2026
Malaysia REFUGEE problem - previously UN or UNHCR took care of food and board, but now the BURDEN falls on the receiving countries, who still may get aid from other countries or even some UN bodies. But, generally now in Malaysia, they provide registration or recognition for refugees/asylum seekers - but provide no monies for food and board > thus forcing these refugees/asylum seekers to fend for their own - find JOBs and monies to survive.
In Malaysia, there has been good suggestions for the Malaysian Government to allow refugees/asylum seekers to WORK and earn legally - after all, Malaysia has a labour shortage requiring Malaysia to bring in MIGRANT workers. Thus, to solve the 'refugee' problem, Malaysia could FIRST provide WORK PERMITS to Refugees, and only bring in MORE MIGRANT workers if there is still a Labour Shortage > this was one OPTION opened to PM Anwar Ibrahim's Government..
Then, Malaysia, could have asked OTHER Countries to take some of these REFUGEES/Asylum seekers to reduce and ease Malaysia's burden in housing REFUGEES/ASYLUM SEEKERS from Myanmar - I do not recall PM Anwar's government doing this, do you?
Malaysia could have given NOTICE to UN and UN Member States - take in these REFUGEES/Asylum seekers or HELP in the COST ...if NOT Malaysia may be forced to send them back to the very countries they fled from to escape persecution - I do not recall Malaysia doing this...
Other more HUMANITARIAN solutions that will non violate the Principle of NON-REFOULEMENT should have considered. DID Malaysia violate the Principle of NON-REFOULEMENT when it send back Myanmar nationals to Myanmar, to the regime that is still in conflict or 'war' with ethic minorities and also the
The principle of non-refoulement is a fundamental rule of international law that bans countries from returning any person to a place where they would face torture, cruel treatment, persecution, or other serious harm
WORST, is if Malaysian did this DRACONIAN UNJUST acts that may puts lives of people in danger SIMPLY to better its chances in winning upcoming elections - if SO, I would call Malaysians to vote out Anwar Ibrahim and this Pakatan Harapan government, wouldn't you?
Anwar Ibrahim is just 'DESTROYED' Malaysian reputation of being a CARING nation that respects and protect HUMAN RIGHTS not just of Malaysians but every other human being in Malaysia...
The Malaysian government has pledged US$1 million aid to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which handles assistance for Palestinian refugees over the next five years.
But more important, is HOW Malaysia treats REFUGEES in Malaysia > did we just send back 'refugees' to the very regime that they had fled from?
The ministry said the repatriation programme was part of the government’s efforts to address the long-standing issue of foreign refugees in Malaysia, particularly those from Myanmar, who make up more than 95% of the total refugee population...As of Aug 15, it said 10,388 Myanmar nationals detained at Immigration detention depots were undergoing identity, immigration status and security background verification....Of these, 5,000 had been finalised for the voluntary and phased repatriation programme.
Is Malaysia's REFUGEE status determination program - so Malaysia can arrange to repatriate these refugees back to the country they fled from?
Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak led a protest rally on Sunday against what he called a “genocide” of Myanmar’s Muslim Rohingya minority, as he urged Asian neighbours and the world to step up the pressure to stop the violence.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, you have announced that you will invite Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar’s illegal, criminal junta leader and self-appointed “president,” to Malaysia to negotiate the repatriation of Rohingya refugees.
This offer is being made at a politically critically sensitive moment for the people of Myanmar who are, in the face of Min Aung Hlaing and his military’s daily violence, sacrificing everything in their efforts to end military tyranny and regain their freedom, democracy, and dignity.
Freedom, democracy, and dignity—ideals you fought for and that anchored you for decades throughout the bumpy political path you navigated.
Don’t betray your principled past. ...
When you were elected Prime Minister of Malaysia and spoke at the General Debate of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2023, you condemned the Myanmar military’s violence and atrocities and emphasized the need for continued international pressure to end the military’s brutality against the people. -
1,476 Myanmar nationals go home
KUALA LUMPUR: The first phase of a programme to repatriate 5,000 Myanmar nationals detained in Malaysia has begun, with 1,476 people being sent back to their home country.
The Home Ministry said the individuals were being repatriated voluntarily and in stages following an agreement by the Myanmar government to receive them and with the individuals’ consent to return.
It said the 1,476 individuals repatriated yesterday were part of a list submitted by the Myanmar government through an official diplomatic note.
“The repatriation is being carried out by sea using two vessels and a hospital ship belonging to the Myanmar government,” the ministry said in a statement.
The operation is being coordinated by the ministry, the Immigration Department and relevant agencies.
The ministry said the repatriation programme was part of the government’s efforts to address the long-standing issue of foreign refugees in Malaysia, particularly those from Myanmar, who make up more than 95% of the total refugee population.
As of Aug 15, it said 10,388 Myanmar nationals detained at Immigration detention depots were undergoing identity, immigration status and security background verification.
Of these, 5,000 had been finalised for the voluntary and phased repatriation programme.
“Although Malaysia is not a party to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, the approach taken remains grounded in the values of compassion and the spirit of the Asean family, without compromising national security and sovereignty,” it said.
The ministry said diplomatic negotiations with Myanmar, coupled with enforcement of the law, had strengthened the management of foreigners and individuals claiming to be refugees based on their identified identities and status.
It added that subsequent phases of the repatriation would depend on the completion of identification, documentation and verification processes, as well as logistical readiness and operational coordination. - Malay Mail, 30/9/2026
Malaysia begins sending home Myanmar refugees despite safety concerns
PUBLISHED : 29 Sep 2026 at 12:19
WRITER: Reuters
LUMUT, Malaysia - Malaysia began the process of deporting around 1,500 Myanmar nationals on Tuesday as part of a refugee repatriation programme, defying objections from the United Nations and dozens of human rights groups.
The deportation is the first phase of a broader plan agreed with Myanmar that could see the return of as many as 5,000 people.
Malaysia has said that the programme was strictly voluntary, but the UN refugee agency and civil society organisations have raised concerns about the safety of those being returned, with Myanmar still in a state of civil war.
Dozens of buses accompanied by security vehicles arrived at a stadium near the Lumut naval base in Malaysia's Perak state on Tuesday morning, before being moved to the port where two Myanmar naval vessels and a hospital ship had docked, according to Reuters witnesses. It was unclear who were aboard the buses.
A Home Ministry spokesperson confirmed the deportation process had begun but declined to divulge further details, referring media to the ministry's Aug 27 statement.
In the statement, the ministry said the repatriation involved 1,476 Myanmar nationals identified by the Myanmar government.
A Myanmar government spokesperson and its embassy in Kuala Lumpur did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Myanmar's Foreign Ministry said this month that it was working with countries to facilitate the voluntary return of verified displaced persons in a safe and dignified manner, according to a state media report.
Conditions in Myanmar unsafe for refugees, UNHCR says
Myanmar has been in turmoil since a 2021 coup triggered a civil war, with the military fighting armed groups across multiple frontlines.
The UNHCR has said current conditions "do not support the safe and sustainable return of refugees from Myanmar" and that it had not been involved in identifying those being returned.
Malaysia has tightened immigration enforcement in recent years amid rising local hostility against refugees, particularly ethnic Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar.
According to UNHCR data, Malaysia hosts around 193,000 refugees from Myanmar, around two-thirds of whom were Rohingya.
A wave of online hate speech and misinformation this year has led to greater harassment and scrutiny of the Rohingya community, including widespread school closures.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said this month that he would invite Myanmar's military chief-turned-President Min Aung Hlaing for an official visit in return for accepting the Rohingya refugees.
Anwar said in July that Myanmar had agreed to take back as many as 5,000 of the Rohingya refugees, prompting concerns from rights groups.
It was unclear if any Rohingya refugees were among those being repatriated on Tuesday.
James Bawi Thang Bik, who represents refugees from Myanmar's Chin community in Malaysia, said he was aware of several asylum-seekers among those being deported, including a UNHCR card holder, citing information gathered by community leaders.
Based on accounts of refugees who have previously been deported, those being sent back could face forced conscription into the military or detention in Myanmar, James said.
"We fear that they may be forced to fight on the frontlines of the conflict. For many it is akin to sending them to a death sentence in their own home," he said. - Bangkok Post, 29/9/2026
Anwar to invite Myanmar president to expedite Rohingya repatriation
The prime minister also says Malaysia was prepared to bear logistical costs such as clothing, food and boat fares for the repatriation process.
Anwar said the diplomatic move was aimed at finding a long-term solution to the Rohingya refugee issue, which has increasingly caused concern and anger among the local community.
He said that in earlier negotiations, the Myanmar government had agreed to take back 5,000 Rohingya refugees in stages, with the first group of 1,500 people to be repatriated within the next two weeks.
“I am inviting him and I want to make it clear that we can be friends, we can trade … but Myanmar must accept (its refugees) back.
“If they cannot take back 100,000 or 200,000 at once, then take them back in stages,” he said on the Sembang Oh Yeah podcast earlier today.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said Malaysia was prepared to bear logistical costs such as clothing, food and boat fares for the repatriation process.
He said this would be more cost-effective than bearing the cost of managing refugees at detention depots, which ranges from RM50 to RM200 per person a day.
Anwar also said the influx of refugees was linked to decisions made by previous governments, including the organisation of mass gatherings to welcome their arrival.
“Others brought them here, but I’m the one getting the blame. Now that they have become a burden, we are looking for a diplomatic way forward,” he said.
In July, Anwar said Myanmar had agreed to take back 5,000 Rohingya refugees currently in Malaysia following diplomatic negotiations between the two countries. FMT, 16/9/2026.
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