By Arakan Journal Staff – October 21, 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Malaysia’s foreign minister has urged Myanmar to confront the root causes of the Rohingya crisis, stating that safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation depends heavily on lasting domestic change and sustained international cooperation.
In a written parliamentary reply on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan emphasized that Malaysia alone could not bear the burden of resolving the regional crisis. He said that Myanmar must guarantee the basic rights, protection, and equal opportunities of Rohingya individuals who wish to return to their homeland. “The issue of repatriating the Rohingya can only be resolved by addressing the root causes of the crisis in Myanmar,” Mohamad Said.
Seeking a Sustainable Solution
According to the minister, Malaysia continues to engage with Myanmar’s authorities at the bilateral, regional, and international levels to foster the conditions necessary for a safe, sustainable return. He noted that Myanmar must take concrete steps to allow the Rohingya to rebuild their lives in their places of origin without facing discrimination or exclusion.
Achieving a lasting solution, Mohamad noted, requires a unified, sustained commitment from Naypyidaw, alongside continued support from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the wider international community.
ASEAN Framework Remains Central
Mohamad reaffirmed that ASEAN treats its 2021 Five-Point Consensus as the principal framework for addressing the crisis in Myanmar. The consensus calls for an immediate cessation of violence, inclusive dialogue among all relevant parties, mediation by an ASEAN special envoy, humanitarian assistance, and an official visit by the envoy to Myanmar.
Malaysia remains supportive of ASEAN’s current priorities, including expanding humanitarian access without discrimination and promoting inclusive dialogue among internal stakeholders. The ASEAN chair’s special envoy continues to implement these points, while member states explore more initiatives to encourage regional peace and stability.
Ongoing Humanitarian Assistance
Malaysia also backed regional humanitarian efforts channelled through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre). ASEAN is currently working alongside the United Nations and other international partners to deliver critical assistance to conflict-affected populations. The Rohingya crisis remains a major regional challenge. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya continue to live in refugee camps in Bangladesh and other neighboring countries after fleeing violence and persecution in Myanmar, particularly during the 2017 military crackdown. Refugees have consistently said they will only consider returning if their safety, fundamental rights, and citizenship are guaranteed.
With ongoing conflict and insecurity worsening in Rakhine State, Malaysia’s latest statement underscores that repatriation cannot simply be a matter of moving refugees back across the border—it requires dismantling the systematic circumstances driving their displacement.
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