Anwar-Min Aung Hlaing talks focus on refugees, not recognition of Myanmar govt, says Fahmi

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim holds a bilateral meeting with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing at Perdana Putra following an official welcoming ceremony, as the Myanmar leader continues his two-day official visit to Malaysia October 8, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Thursday, 08 Oct 2026 2:40 PM MYT

KOTA KINABALU, Oct 8 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s meeting with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing today does not constitute recognition of the country’s government but is aimed at resolving the longstanding issue of Myanmar refugees in Malaysia.

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the meeting reflected the government’s use of diplomatic channels to address domestic concerns, particularly those involving Myanmar refugees.

“This meeting does not mean we recognise the Myanmar government. It is intended to find a solution to the longstanding issue of Myanmar refugees in our country,” he said at the opening of the Inanam Sentral National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) here today.

Fahmi also expressed hope that the meeting would yield positive results, including facilitating the return of Myanmar refugees through proper channels.

“We hope the Prime Minister’s meeting with the Myanmar President today will produce positive outcomes, allowing refugees from Myanmar’s 19 ethnic groups in Malaysia to return to their country through proper channels and helping us address the issues we face domestically,” he said.

Fahmi, who is also Madani Government spokesperson, also highlighted another important meeting scheduled for tomorrow after the tabling of Budget 2027, with discussions expected to cover efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and issues concerning Palestine.

“Let us await the outcomes of these two important meetings taking place today and tomorrow,” he said.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is scheduled to make a state visit to Malaysia from October 9 to 10. — Bernama