Lumut:Kuala Lumpur: The first phase of repatriating 1,476 Myanmar refugees to their home country represents a significant step by the MADANI Government in addressing the refugee and foreign migrant influx, a concern for Malaysians.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin, a PSYOPS warfare expert and national security analyst, emphasized the importance of the diplomatic approach led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. This approach aims to address the refugee issue systematically and in stages, respecting the country's laws and sovereignty.
Dr Noor Nirwandy described this as a humanitarian and regional peace diplomacy effort, considering it a key pillar in resolving the Myanmar refugee issue. He highlighted the importance of ensuring the repatriation process aligns with United Nations standards and prioritizes humanitarian considerations.
He also advised Malaysia to resist pressure or propaganda suggesting that repatriation conflicts with humanitarian values. Although Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, the country has extended protection based on humanitarian considerations rather than legal obligations.
Dr Noor Nirwandy proposed a 'control and rotation system' for refugees to maintain socio-economic and demographic stability. This system would require refugees to comply with Malaysian laws and understand that their stay is temporary.
Prof Dr Azmi Hassan, a geostrategist from the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, noted the established relationship between Anwar and Myanmar's leadership, particularly during Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship and after providing humanitarian aid post-earthquake in Myanmar. He described the repatriation as a continuation of the Prime Minister's diplomatic approach.
Prof Dr Azmi emphasized that although the initial repatriation number is small, it marks a concrete start and is the first time an ASEAN country has conducted such an operation through a bilateral agreement. He noted that Myanmar seeks international recognition, especially from ASEAN, and the initiative could lead to a regional solution to the refugee issue.
Kepong Member of Parliament Lim Lip Eng stated that negotiations with Myanmar allowed urging its authorities to guarantee protection for repatriated individuals, ensuring their safety and dignity.
On July 29, Prime Minister Anwar announced Myanmar's agreement to receive about 5,000 nationals detained in Malaysia, following improved bilateral relations. The Home Ministry began the identification and screening process for detainees on the following day.
On September 29, 1,370 men, 79 women, 20 boys, and seven girls, aged between eight and 60, were repatriated using three vessels, including a Myanmar Navy hospital ship, from the Royal Malaysian Navy Base in Lumut, Perak.