Fahmi: Malaysia first country to secure Myanmar’s acceptance of returning refugees

The communications minister said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had highlighted the achievement, describing it as an extraordinary diplomatic accomplishment. — Bernama pic

First Published: Wednesday, 14 Oct 2026 11:49 AM MYT

Last Modified: Wednesday, 14 Oct 2026 11:57 AM MYT

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 14 — Malaysia is the first country in the world to have successfully convinced Myanmar to accept the return of its refugees, marking a significant diplomatic achievement for the country, said Madani Government spokesperson Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.

The communications minister said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had highlighted the achievement, describing it as an extraordinary diplomatic accomplishment.

“This is an extraordinary achievement because, as the Prime Minister pointed out, Malaysia is the first country in the world to have successfully convinced a country like Myanmar to accept the return of its refugees.

“All of them were repatriated at Myanmar’s own expense. This is indeed a diplomatic achievement that Malaysia can be proud of,” he said at the ministry’s monthly assembly organised by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) here today.

The assembly, held in conjunction with National Sports Day 2026, was also attended by Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.

Fahmi said Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing’s official visit on October 7 and 8 had also paved the way for discussions on ensuring that more refugees from the country could be repatriated.

“God willing, the repatriation of more than 3,000 Myanmar refugees from various ethnic groups will begin soon,” he said.

He also urged Bernama and Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) to follow developments closely, describing the initiative as part of Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties with other countries.

Malaysia had earlier carried out the first phase of a repatriation programme involving 1,476 Myanmar nationals, using three vessels, including a hospital ship belonging to the Myanmar navy.

Anwar was also reported to have said that Myanmar was prepared to facilitate the large-scale repatriation of its nationals and bear the associated costs.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said other diplomatic achievements included visits to Malaysia by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II, as well as the Global Sumud initiative to assist the Palestinian people.

“God willing, these diplomatic initiatives will not only strengthen Malaysia’s standing on the world stage but also help people in need, including the Palestinians,” he said. — Bernama